God's Wisdom In A Nutshell

If you have had the pleasure of traveling to Europe and witnessing how others in the “Old Country” live, you may have noticed that the smaller houses lend themselves to having their inhabitants spill out into the gardens and enjoy life outside. They have tables with tablecloths and chairs and flower pots strewn in their gardens- otherwise know as yards in America- and they use them often. Dinners are Al fresco whenever the weather is pleasant and life seems to be lived more authentically. Here in America, the majority of suburbanites seem to have their yards in perfect order with outdoor seating, but we rarely invite others over to enjoy a lunch, dinner or afternoon coffee on the patio. We are too busy and our perfectionistic tendencies cause us to want to have everything “just so” before we  take the plunge to let others into our lives.

So what does this have to do with God? Well, we may have this same tendency with our faith.

We view our Christian life as going to church, praying for others and doing good works- akin to keeping our yards in order. We attend bible study and contribute the best we can but our knowledge of the Word of God is limited and therefore we don’t actually use it or talk about it with others outside of our church groups- akin to never inviting others over to use what we have.

Many seem to be trapped in superficial Christianity- learning through Bible study fellowship or a religion but never believing enough to “walk on water” and trust God’s Word. Will He really heal us? Will He really lead us to the best spouse, job, friend group etc. Will the Lord really “never leave me nor forsake me”(Deut 31:8) when I am struggling? These are things many Christians profess they believe but their actions are inauthentic- they don’t use what they have- the Word of God.

It is imperative to study the Bible alone. This will allow the Holy Spirit to convict our soul of God’s truth which will change our character, increase our integrity and exhibit our convictions- a silent sermon of sorts for others to witness. We can only glorify God if we trust Him to do that which He says He will do. We must trust, believe and use Jesus’ Words- this is authentic faith. This is giving the Lord space to act in our lives to show His glory.

⁸ The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed… When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.(Matt 8:8,10)

Food For Thought,

Lisa