BIBLE PASSAGE:
Surely you desire truth in the inner parts;
You teach me wisdom in the inmost place.
(Psalm 51:6)
MEDITATION:
In today’s world we have many venues of education, don’t we? We can find
classes to teach us more about almost any subject. However, when the classes
end, all we have is more knowledge. Knowledge is good, but it is much better
when it is laced with wisdom. In fact, when choosing between knowledge and
wisdom, we should always choose wisdom.
Wisdom is something that comes from the Lord and gives us the capability of
‘wisely using’ our knowledge. God is the One who teaches us wisdom that will
last and we can rely on. We have all probably met someone who was lacking in
the field of education, but full in the area of wisdom.
Man has chosen to call it “common sense” but a better reference may be
“Godly wisdom”. God is the One Who gives us wisdom and teaches us the
things that are important for living out our lives on earth, and ensuring
our eternal life.
Wisdom teaches us to be truthful in all things. The Bible teaches that purity
of conduct includes truthfulness. That means we should be truthful in who
we are, and in the God we believe in. Jesus denounced the hypocrisy of the
scribes and Pharisees.
In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus rebuked all hypocritical giving, praying,
and fasting. When we give, it should be from a heart that desires to give and
not for personal recognition. When we pray, it should be from a heart that
wants to talk to God and not for the ears of others. When we fast, it should
be a statement from us to our Lord, and not for boasting to others.
Wisdom teaches us the importance of being honest with the Lord, with others,
and with ourselves. Some want others to believe they are someone they are not.
They can become driven so strongly that they start convincing themselves they
are someone else. It can result in their denial (sometimes vehemently) whenever
they are confronted about their dishonesty.
If we do that, there is the possibility that we may miss out on Heaven. Why?
Because we have convinced ourselves that we have received God’s salvation,
when we really haven’t. Lies don’t become truth just because we say them
often and loudly, or because we convince ourselves they are true.
Hypocrites do not lead many (if any) to the Lord. If we claim to be a Christian
but fail to live our lives as a Christian, then others will assume we are living a
lie. If we choose to disobey some of God’s commands, we shouldn’t try to justify
why it’s okay, because it’s not! We need to admit it when we are disobedient in
a specific area and explain that we are trying to change (if we honestly are).
ACTION:
Question to consider:
– Have I received wisdom from the Lord?
If I haven’t, then I need to ask for it.
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)
– Have I tried to convince others that I am someone other than who I really am?
God knows who we really are, so we need to start being honest
with ourselves and with Him, so we will be honest with others.
When we are dishonest, it is difficult to keep up with which untruths we have
told. We may think that we are fooling others, but more than likely it’s because
they haven’t told us they don’t believe us, and not because they believe our lies.
Pray,
“Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of wisdom. Teach
me wisdom so I will be truthful in every phase of my life.
Father, You made me who I am, and I ask You to help me
embrace the person You made me to be. I pray that I will
no longer try to convince others that I am someone I am
not. Help me to fully enjoy Your gift of wisdom, and use
it to serve You and to point others to Jesus.”
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