After a recent youth service, I had to address a few issues some of the youth was going through. On my way home, I was left questioning and wondering: What is the source of many of our behavioral and character issues? Why do some people jump from one problem to the next and constantly get into trouble? What could be the root cause of a "born-again Christian" remaining a spiritual child instead of growing?
To use a car example; if a car is involved in a terrible accident, someone can fix most of the damage, but it will always have some underlying issue (rattling, tires wearing fast, weird noises, etc.). These seemingly minor issues indicate that something more substantial is wrong. The same can be said about our lives; some of our many "issues" are just indicators of a bigger problem. So, what is that "bigger problem?"I concluded that people lack the fear of the Lord. Many Christians live as if God does not see their life. What we do when no one is watching, how we treat people, our integrity, fairness, work-ethic, etc., comes down to one big question: Would we live (and act) the same way if Jesus were physically present next to us? If not, then do we not believe that He sees absolutely everything, all the time, as if He were right next to us?
The book of Job reveals some very interesting thoughts regarding fear of the Lord and wisdom. In chapter 28, Job argues that it is impossible to find and purchase wisdom in this world (no matter the price): "Pure gold cannot be given in exchange for it, Nor can silver be weighed as its price. It cannot be valued in the gold of Ophir, In precious onyx, or sapphire. Gold or glass cannot equal it, Nor can it be exchanged for articles of pure gold." Finally, in the last verse we have an answer from God on the origins of wisdom: "...And to mankind He said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; And to turn away from evil is understanding.'"
Do we value wisdom as much as Job did? In order to value something, you must first understand what it is. The world defines wisdom as some sort of special knowledge or knowledge based on experience. But, the Bible often talks of wisdom as an action, and more specifically, our behavior! Essentially, you should be able to discern a wise person from a fool by how they act and treat others even more than what they might be saying. There's a good reason Solomon says multiple times, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." The fear of the Lord is simply living our daily life knowing that God sees everything we do and say. So, the first step to wisdom is fearing the Lord and acting like God is truly next to us, every minute of the day!
James dedicates a full paragraph in chapter three pointing out how damaging and vile our tongue can be. He concludes with this: "Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth." Again, talking about our behavior, James stresses lack of wisdom, which is the absence of fearing the Lord! I stress this topic to myself and everyone reading, let's stop living as if God is blind. If we carry His good name, let us have fear and walk in wisdom. Who knows, perhaps our issues, addictions, and character flaws will slowly start to fall away as we walk in the fear of the Lord. James leaves us these comforting words in 1:5, "But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him." Start with the fear of the Lord, ask for wisdom, and let God fulfill His promise in our lives. Blessings.
Comments