By Dr. Tom Sexton
"Through wisdom is an house builded; and by understanding it is established: And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches." Proverbs 24:3-4.
Do we have what it takes to make a difference in our world today ?
One thing is always the same, and that is GOD uses HIS people to carry on HIS work. Down through the centuries we read about men and women who had what it took to impact their world for the cause of CHRIST.
My beloved pastor, Dr. Lee Roberson, said, "Everything rises and falls on leadership." One of the great truths I learned from Dr. Roberson was to believe every person we meet can have a part in what the LORD JESUS has given us to do.
We must find some way for people to invest their lives in the LORD's work. Think of a target. every church member is not a bullseye Christian, but every child of GOD can, at some level, have a part in GOD's plan for the ages.
We need Christians who have "understanding of the times, to know what" GOD's people ought to do," 1st.Chronicles 12:32. Will GOD find, among us believers, those who have what it takes to make a difference in our world ? What do we need ? These three powerful words, in our text, help us to know what GOD is looking for: "Through wisdom. . .understanding. . .and knowledge shall the chambers be filled. . ."
"Knowledge"
"And by knowledge shall the chambers be filled with all precious and pleasant riches." Proverbs 24:4
First, we need to know GOD. Paul said, "That I may know HIM, and the power of HIS resurrection," Philippians 3:10. Do you know the LORD JESUS as your personal "SAVIOR" ? This is where we all begin. Nail down your salvation. Remove all doubt.
Second, we need to know GOD's WORD. The Bible says, "MY people are destroyed for lack of knowledge" Hosea 4:6. We need to have a firm grip on GOD's WORD. We need to have HIS WORD in our heart. We need to get direction from GOD and HIS WORD.
Third, we need to know the challenges we are facing. The Bible says, "the children of Issachar, . . .which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; . . ." 1st.Chronicles 12:32.
GOD is looking for believers who know what is going on. HE wants us to have the big picture, to know all the facts. "Knowledge" is knowing. Sadly, we know very little about our nation. For example:
Do we know how many different nations are represented in our public schools and Universities ? Do we know how many young people are enrolled in our public schools ? Do we know how many babies we have lost through abortion ? How can we make a difference if we do not know what is different in the world around us ?
"Wisdom"
"Through wisdom is an house builded;" Proverbs 24:3
"Wisdom" is the ability to work with people who have "knowledge." I used to think that what believers needed were people skills to work with people, but now I know that "people skills" is not in the Bible. GOD's people need "wisdom."
One of the things GOD tells us about Moses is, "Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds." Acts 7:22. In other words, he knew how to work with people, all people.
I believe that GOD has put in people every gift HE has for humanity. We who know GOD must help get the right person doing the one thing GOD has for them. And that, my Friend, takes "wisdom." "Wisdom" is the ability to find the people with "knowledge" and help them to do with their lives what GOD has put them here to accomplish.
The good news is, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of GOD." James 1:5
"Understanding"
"by understanding it is established:" Proverbs 24:3
The reason little is accomplished or "established" for GOD in this world is because very few believers have "understanding." "Understanding" is seeing the big picture of what GOD is doing and putting together all the resources to accomplish it.
"Knowledge" is not enough. You must know JESUS and HIS WORD. "Wisdom" is not enough. We must put "knowledge" to work. Believers who have "understanding" of the times we live in, and "knowledge" of what needs done, will be given the "wisdom" to work with people.
"Understanding" is the most important because it lets us see what we, with CHRIST, are building.
Moses was on a mission from GOD to lead the children of Israel out of Egypt into the promised land. GOD gave Moses and incredibly special gift. HE gave him, "Bezaleel" to help him.
The Bible says, "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, . .I have called by name Bezaleel. . .And I have filled him with the SPIRIT of GOD, in wisdom . . . understanding, and in knowledge" Exodus 31:1-3.
GOD gave Moses a gift for the work he was to accomplish. GOD goes on to say that Bezaleel would teach others to "make all that I have commanded thee;" Exodus 31:6. (Read Exodus 38:22).
No wonder the Apostle Paul prayed for the church at Ephesus, "That the GOD of our LORD JESUS CHRIST, the FATHER of glory, may give unto you the SPIRIT of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of HIM: That the eyes of your understanding being enlightened: that ye may know what is the hope of HIS calling, and what the riches of the glory of HIS inheritance in the saints," Ephesians 1:17-18.
We need "knowledge, wisdom, and understanding" to have what it takes to do the work of the LORD. Do you have what it takes ?
Your servant in CHRIST,
Julie
WordToTheWorld@aol.com
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