Proverbs 1:1-7, 3:1-8. "In Pursuit of Wisdom"
INTRODUCTION
Sometimes people post pictures on their refrigerator or bathroom mirror in order to help them reach a goal, for which they are striving. A picture of a Tahitian thatched hut might help them save for an exotic Polynesian vacation. A picture of an Abercrombie and Fitch model, or one from the "Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition" might inspire them in their weight loss program.
It is important to have goals in life--pictures of what we want to do or become even if those pictures are only in our minds. With this in mind, let me ask you what is your goal for your Christian life? What images o you have in your mind? What characteristics do you want to nurture?
Today' reading in Proverbs gives us some ideas.
ACKNOWLEDGING GOD
Proverbs 1:7 says, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction."
We always stumble over the word "fear." The Writer is not saying that we must be afraid of God--fearful of God's judgment and wrath. The emphasis is more on respect. If this is a characteristic that we want to nurture in our live, what will it look like?
To respect God is to acknowledge that there is more to life than the physical world in which we live. We are not the Creator, but rather the created. We do not exist to serve ourselves, but to serve God through our service to others. I think there is a certain emptiness to science and the gathering of knowledge that does not acknowledge the God behind it all.
Following this thought we live out this respect for God be living in the truth that there a a purpose in life beyond ourselves. We are to serve God with our minds, words and actions--our whole being.
Respecting God is to realize that all of life is a gift. Having been so richly gifted, we live our lives in thankfulness and praise.
TRUST IN GOD
Proverb 3:5 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart." This is another way of saying, "Love the Lord your God with all of your heart, mind, soul and strength." There are many ways that people do this.
Whenever I envision great people of faith I see people who trust God. They rest in God; they allow God to hold them in the palm of God's hands.
People who trust in the Lord live in the reality that God is a God of love and that God has their best interests at heart.
People who trust in the Lord act in the belief that God is moving in their lives in order to accomplish God's will. No matter what they encounter they never doubt that God is with them and that somehow God is in control.
This trust frees them to look beyond themselves, love and serve.
WALK HUMBLY
The writer of Proverbs continues by penning the words, "And do not rely on your own insight."
If we acknowledge that there is a God And we ARE NOT God, we can then begin to be comfortable being a part of creation and stop trying to prove how great and Godlike we are.
As created being we are able to give God thanks and praise for for our gifts and talents, rather than brag about ourselves.
Instead of living in the spotlight, we are able to give God the glory and acknowledge God's involvement in life. This is our testimony and witness.
CONCLUSION
As you grow and mature in your walk with God, what do you envision you want to become? Perhaps the words of the writer of Proverbs has given you a fresh view of God's presence in your life and new ideas of how you can respond to God's grace.
Amen
