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Lack of Wisdom Can Be Costly!


There are two things within the life of the Church that seem fascinating, yet sad, to me. I wanted to write about that this week and address those two issues because I see how the two concerns fit together.
The first issue (fascination): I have always wondered why the least supported and attended functions of the Church are always related to education. That is, the most dismal attendance figures always come from Sunday School, Bible studies, mentoring, counseling and topical studies offered by the Pastor/Church. Our problem should not be blank sign-up sheets, empty classrooms and the sound of crickets chirping.
The second fascination is when I see groups of people, who profess to be “Christians”, seemingly “plagued” by bad things, bad luck and challenging life events on a frequent basis. For some, it appears that their mantra is “when it rains, it pours” as it seems they are inundated with trouble and/or find ways to constantly have things “go wrong” in life.
This is the part of this blog where both the first and second issues “come together” in a clearer relationship. Although, I know I can’t “prove it” (and there are exceptions), but for those who “fit the description” it has amazed me at how many of these “Christians” aren’t living sold out, obedient, growing, educated and healthy faith-filled lives.
Yes, they go to Church and may go to religious events, but that is really just about “it” with their faith. In regards to “day to day living,” they would not say they pray daily, attend Sunday School or a Bible study, have personal study and reading of Scripture (devotions) or spend their time in healthy environments of leisure, friendships or social settings. In other words, they are probably more in the world than they are in their faith and Church. 
One of our strongest and most potent antidotes to the world and its godless influence is education….learning…embracing God’s Word and His instructions to us. As it says in Psalm 119:11, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”
Perhaps, the most shocking Scripture is Proverbs 1:20-33 that really “socks it to us” that our lack of wisdom….lack of concern for God’s instructions…for ignoring how the Bible instructs us to live…and showing no interest in educating ourselves in Biblical knowledge could be (and probably is) the cause for a lot of our troubles in life. Here it is:

Proverbs 1:20-33

20 Wisdom shouts in the streets. She cries out in the public square. 21 She calls to the crowds along the main street, to those gathered in front of the city gate: 22 “How long, you simpletons, will you insist on being simpleminded? How long will you mockers relish your mocking? How long will you fools hate knowledge? 23 Come and listen to my counsel. I’ll share my heart with you and make you wise. 24 “I called you so often, but you wouldn’t come. I reached out to you, but you paid no attention. 25 You ignored my advice and rejected the correction I offered. 26 So I will laugh when you are in trouble! I will mock you when disaster overtakes you 27 when calamity overtakes you like a storm, when disaster engulfs you like a cyclone,  and anguish and distress overwhelm you. 28 “When they cry for help, I will not answer. Though they anxiously search for me, they will not find me. 29 For they hated knowledge and chose not to fear the Lord. 30 They rejected my advice and paid no attention when I corrected them. 31 Therefore, they must eat the bitter fruit of living their own way, choking on their own schemes. 32 For simpletons turn away from me—to death. Fools are destroyed by their own complacency. 33 But all who listen to me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm.”

You cannot ignore the fact that education, learning, digesting and living out God’s Word is a top priority in our lives. Yet, Christians still find no interest in Sunday School, Bible and topical Studies, and even having daily devotions. This is what gets us into a lot of trouble….and what gets us easily tricked by world philosophies, morality and its trends.

I am not implying or saying that the lack of these things in our life are the sole cause of issues we may be faced with in life. I am saying that the Bible is pretty clear on what can happen if we continue to reject and outright refuse to increase our wisdom and understanding of God’s Word. 

PLEASE UNDERSTAND: Wisdom has its origin in the fear of God. Therefore, lack of wisdom shows a lack of fear of God. That comes pretty close to blasphemy. That is, in turn, walking on thin ice.

We need, more than ever before, to get serious about every aspect of our faith. Seek God…learn His ways….learn His Word…deepen your relationship with God…pour our lives into Him and what His will is for our lives. And…get serious by letting go of the world.

By all means, don’t become stubborn towards this issue of “education” and scoff that “I know enough and I’m fine.” We should never stop learning….growing…and educating ourselves to an ever deepening faith. We simply cannot afford to get sucker-punched by the world’s definition of ethics, morality and faith because we didn’t know enough of God’s Word to know the difference! 

A good place to start is memorizing these two verses from Proverbs: Proverbs 4:5, “Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them.” Proverbs 4:7 “…Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.” Blessings to you as you increase your wisdom!!

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