For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.
1 Corinthians 1:25 (NIV)
Whenever we study a subject, we usually do so through the teaching of those people who have come before us. We lean on their wisdom, endeavoring to better understand the subject matter. We go to school, graduate, and seek better lives based on our education. Even if we’ve not gone to an organized school to get an education, we still rely upon the School of Hard Knocks to educate us in the way we should, or often, in this case, should not go. Yet, for all of our wisdom, the entirety of all human knowledge, it’s nothing compared to God’s infinite knowledge on his worst day.
God knows all things. Unlike some of us, who might want to hoard our knowledge, thinking we might gain some edge over others by not sharing it, God wants to share it with us!
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
James 1:5 (NIV)
James tells us that all we have to do is ask God for wisdom, and he will give it to us. Not begrudgingly, but generously! Without finding fault. I’m certain if you’re anything like me, you’ve known smart people. People that you could go to who always seemed to know the answer. Perhaps, if you’re also like me, you may have delighted in trying to stump them, and when they were stumped, you were surprised. This cannot happen with God. Not only does God know the answer to every question we might ask, but he can also give us the wisdom to help ourselves do better.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
Proverbs 9:10 (NIV)
The fear we read about here in Proverbs 9:10 is a reverential state. It’s not the state of being afraid, although the Hebrew word used here, “yirah,” can also be used to describe the state of being afraid; such as here, in Psalm 55:5, “Fear and trembling have beset me; horror has overwhelmed me” (NIV). That’s not the case, as I have said, in this verse from Proverbs.
Proverbs 9:10 doesn’t tell us the fear of the Lord is wisdom. Only that it’s the beginning of wisdom. Understanding, which is a fulfillment, of sorts, of wisdom, we are told, can be found through knowledge of God. This tells me it’s not enough to believe in God. Lots of people “believe” in God but go no further with it. They live their lives however they so chose, and if they don’t repent will go to hell believing in God. What does James tell us?
You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that-and shudder.
James 2:19 (NIV)
James was talking about the need to use one’s faith. The premise is the same when it comes to believing in God. If you believe in God, and do nothing about it, then what is the point? Your belief does nothing to serve you or anyone else. It’s like saying you believe in gravity and then jumping off a cliff, expecting to not plummet to the ground.
Belief is powerful but without action, like faith, it’s worthless. This is why taking a step in faith, which is an extension of belief, can change the fabric of the universe. What does Paul tell us about being saved in Romans?
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
Romans 10:9 (NIV)
It’s this declaration, which is faith in action “Jesus is Lord,” that changes the fabric of who you are in the universe. One moment you were unsaved and on a trip to hell. The next, you have been born again.
This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT)
Our lives don’t stop when we become saved. The process of seeking wisdom, which starts with a fear of God, requires a relationship with God to understand who God really is. Look at it this way. If all of us, when we became saved, had a complete understanding of God, then we’d be concerned about nothing in our lives. We’d have no problems, and we would be full of the joy of the Lord always. We’d be like Jesus, who had obstacles in his life but was never concerned about them. Instead, we are striving to become more like Jesus.
I will leave you with these verses from Proverbs that reveal to us how we can lead successful lives in Christ.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight
Proverbs 3:5-8 (NIV)
Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.
Do you know God? God knows you, and He loves you. He sees you as significant because you are. No one is insignificant to Him. He’s with you today right now, and He wants you to know Him. Jesus died for your sins and mine so we could be free of guilt, be freed from death, and live eternally with Him. Eternal salvation is just a prayer away.
Pray this prayer with me to accept the gift of salvation today:
Lord Jesus, forgive me for all my sins. I repent from my ways. Wash me in your blood and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I believe that you died on the cross, were buried, and on the third day, God the Father raised you from the dead. Right now, Lord Jesus, I open the door to my heart, and I receive you into my heart as my Lord and personal Savior. Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, then congratulations! You are on the first step of a brand new life. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to my family, the family of God. There are abundant resources available online for new Christians. You can visit here for more information on what to do next. You can also leave me a comment, and I’ll do my best to help you on the next step of this incredible journey.
Four-Calendar Café 