Encounter: Read Proverbs 2:1-15 in The Passion Translation. Underline the words that describe what God gives to those who listen and seek wisdom and understanding. Or in other words, what is the reward of living the principles of God’s wisdom in your life?
This weekend we were celebrating my sister’s birthday at a posh little Cake Bake in Carmel. The white and pink décor with whimsical fairies and life size mushrooms created a festive space for enjoying the best cakes in the region. Most people were dressed for a party and sitting at the table next to us were two little girls with their family being served their plates of goodies. As soon as everyone’s dish was laid in front of them, the mothers told them to fold their hands and close their eyes and give thanks to God for their food. It was sweet to watch these little angels be so godly.
A moment later one little girl looks at the other and making a mean girl face told the other girl, “You’re groce!!” In just a few moments the godly in the girl was no longer visible. How quickly things can change. I am not sure what guidance came from the parents after this, but like each one of us, learning to live the transformed life is a is something we have to learn and is a lifelong journey .
In the Book of Proverbs, we are given a picture of the human condition and what God has given as principles to live by and the effect it can have for those who seek to apply His wisdom to everyday circumstances. The traits of wisdom will become evident in Christ followers when they are open to allowing God to form their character. Humility, right living and being teachable will open the door and allow us to discover “all that is just, proper and fair and be empowered to make the right decisions as we walk into our destiny.” And that destiny means to express the image of God in our families, communities, church and world.
It has been said that the true test of character is what you do when no one is looking or will find out. In other words, God is telling us to make sure we practice what we preach. It is easier to acquire knowledge than to live by wisdom and understanding and because of this, God has given us a toolkit and in it all we need to ensure we recognize our blind spots. If we can say a prayer and then treat a sister or brother badly or forget to be compassionate in a harsh world, then God is calling to us, “My child, will you treasure my wisdom? Then, and only then, will you acquire it. And only if you accept my advice and hide it within will you succeed. So train your heart to listen when I speak and open your spirit wide to expand your discernment, then pass it on to your sons and daughters.” This is our divine design.
Seeking Wisdom With You,
Pastor Tammy
Reflect: Find a quiet place where you can spend some undisturbed time before God. Ask Him to reveal any unconfessed sin and let you feel His grief that you might release it to Him and then rejoice in His presence. How do you understand humility? Pride? How do these look in your life story?
Encourage: Are you participating in The Wisdom Challenge, reading through the Book of Proverbs in the next 30 days? How has it been an encouragement to your walk with Jesus?
Gather: Share with one another in your small group what you are experiencing as you read through Proverbs. Spend some time reading through Proverbs that speak of humility, pride, righteousness and being teachable. (Chapter 1-9 you will find a great deal).