"Wisdom excels folly as light excels darkness."
Ecclesiastes 2:13
As we approach this upcoming year, it occurs to me that Christ followers need wisdom like we've never needed it before. Ensconced within a myriad of complexities, it becomes increasingly more clear that knowledge alone will never suffice. The book of Proverbs tells us that "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore, [to] get wisdom" (Proverbs 4:7).
While many live in the pursuit of knowledge, this is vastly different than the pursuit of Godly wisdom. Knowledge will enable us to dissect a matter, but it is wisdom that brings things together through the application of God's truths to everyday situations. Wisdom, therefore, becomes the heart of a matter and it will either radiate light or darkness. It is only the "wisdom from above" (James 3:17) that can bring true solutions to the chaotic world in which we live.
The problem we have is that the majority of people are seeking "worldly wisdom" instead of wisdom from God. Like petulant two-year olds, most of the inhabitants of this planet prefer to do things on their own. Unfortunately, we are living in extraordinary times that do not afford us such luxuries. The outcomes of "worldly wisdom" and Godly wisdom will vastly differ- one will produce worldly results and the other will produce true spiritual fruit that lasts.
The book of James clearly outlines for us the fruit that comes from Godly wisdom. It says, "the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, [and] without hypocrisy" (James 3:17). Then, James adds a qualifier. He says, "And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace"(James 3:18).
Therefore, if we opt for Godly wisdom, He will bless us with God-given fruit that brings life. This is the fruit that also has seeds within it, which continue to produce more fruit. As we sow righteousness and peace, we will also reap a harvest of righteousness and peace.
If, on the other hand, we sow "worldly wisdom" we will reap: trouble, envy, strife and confusion. This is what occurred when the descendants of Noah decided to build the Tower of Babel. The people blatantly rebelled against God's command to scatter across the earth. Instead, they thought it would be preferable to settle in Nimrod's city of Babylon (Genesis 11:8-12).
They also wanted to build a tower that touched the sky so they could make a name for themselves (Genesis 11:4). They conspired together and built what is known as a "ziggurat". Throughout the centuries, archaeologists have discovered several of these structures. Upon discovery, it has been learned that these structures were typically built as a shrine to a false god or goddess. The word Babel literally means "the gate of the gods".
We get to choose whether to do things our way or to be led by the Holy Spirit. However, it is only the leading of the Holy Spirit that will last. Solomon succinctly summarized this notion when he stated, "There are many plans in a man's heart, nevertheless, the Lord's counsel- that will stand"(Proverbs 19:21).
God is wise and all true wisdom can only come from Him. He is also good and all true goodness first comes from Him. His plans for us are good and when we follow His leading He will be glorified in our lives. We can trust Him to only do what is best for us and in us, even when we live during difficult times.
History has proven that when persecution of Christians increased that Christianity flourishes. this is because it is in the midst of darkness that the light shines the brightest. Daniel said that, "those who are wise (shall shine like the brightness of the firmament), and those who turn many to righteousness (to uprightness and right standing with God)[shall give forth light] like the stars forever and ever"(Daniel 12:3).
The word wise in the previous verse means to "teach, impart insight, encourage and strengthen others". This is what God is calling us to do in this New Year and new season. It may cost us more now as a Christian than it ever has before, but it is a crisis that will reveal to us who and what we really are. It is through difficulties that God shines brighter and brighter.
Knowing that this is also an election year compels us to pray for all the candidates and ultimately the final nominee. In this, we recognize that our new president will either be an instrument of mercy or an instrument of judgment for our country. Either way, we are commanded to pray for our leaders.
There is another verse in the book of Daniel that is a promise for believers who live in the midst of dark days. It says that, "the people who know their God shall prove themselves strong and shall stand firm and do great exploits [for God]" (Daniel 11:32). This means that God will be with us and He will show Himself strong in our lives.
It is possible to serve God like Daniel did. We can also possess the dignity, courage, and conviction in the midst of a culture that does not honor God or the "wisdom from above". I believe we will see God show up in ways that we have never seen before because God is faithful to those who love and seek Him.
This is the time to genuinely esteem that which money cannot buy and death cannot steal from us. This is what will bring victory to our lives. The apostle John confirms this in the book of Revelation. He says, "And they overcame by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony. And they did not love their lives so much that they were afraid to die"(Revelation 12:11).
These are both exciting and perilous times, but God is doing amazing things in the midst of them. It is my prayer that we will be wise and that we will know our God. Just as He is faithful to us, I pray we would be faithful to Him. He promises that He will be glorified in the earth and that He will do mighty things. More than ever, may we walk in Godly wisdom during this New Year!
HAVE A BLESSED NEW YEAR!!!!
2016
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