Isaiah 44:19 NKJV
And no one considers in his heart, Nor is there knowledge nor understanding to say, " I have burned half of it in the fire, Yes, I have also baked bread on its coals; I have roasted meat and eaten it; And shall I make the rest of it an abomination? Shall I fall down before a block of wood?"
This passage in Isaiah is talking about a person who makes an idol god made out of wood. We can easily see how foolish worshiping an idol is. But are we just as foolish when we allow material things or other people to take precedence over our relationship with God? Is there knowledge or understanding to say, "These things, or these people are so limited in what they can do for me. They are temporary. Why am I bowing down to them instead of the true and living everlasting God?" Let us examine ourselves and ask for knowledge and understanding that will prevent us from making idols out of anyone or anything.
Proverbs 28:16 NKJV
A ruler who lacks understanding is a great oppressor, But he who hates covetousness will prolong his days.
When a person in leadership has understanding he will treat his subordinates fairly and rule with kindness and gentleness. People with good leaders will support, defend and give generously to them. Those who are oppressed are more likely to betray and plot against their leader. They are more likely to steal from them and be careless with their property. An oppressive leader may have people afraid to go against him, but if he gets understanding he will resign from a posture that requires fear to produce loyalty. Loyalty produced by fear will cause the leader to live in fear himself. He is less likely to sleep well for fear that someone may get tired of his brutality and retaliate if given the chance. Let us be kind to everyone we have to interact with, especially those who are subordinate to us.
P.S. I pray you will all have a happy and prosperous New Year. Purpose to make every day count for Jesus. An old saying goes like this, "Only one life, 'twill soon be past. Only what's done for Christ will last."
December 25 is not the actual day Jesus was born. Christmas was started to replace a pagan festival. It is not required by scripture. However, all over the world December is a time when the whole world is forced to think about Jesus. Because of how powerful He is, many who hate Him do what they can to take attention away from Him. As Christians, we don't need to help them. Although we don't have to do anything, it is good to take advantage of the time - to buy the opportunity to tell the story of the Savior of the world while we have the world's attention. Christmas is all year long for us, but since some people are more open to hearing about Jesus this time of the year, let's take advantage of the opportunities we have to share the gospel and the love of God. Putting emphasis on whether or not we should or should not celebrate Christmas does not help anyone. We definitely will not win the world playing "Scrooge." So, while the celebrations are going on, let's spread the news about Jesus wherever we can. John 3:16 is what is all about. So, to Candy and all my friends out there, MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Proverbs 24:31-34 NKJV
I went by the field of the lazy man, and by the vineyard of the man devoid of understanding and there it was, all overgrown with thorns. Its surface was covered with nettles. Its stone wall was broken down. When I saw it, I considered it well. I looked on it and received instruction - a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest - So shall your poverty come like a prowler and your need like an armed man.
One of the signs of a lack of understanding is laziness. If the only time we work is when we feel like it, we are unwise. As the Word says in this passage, laziness produces poverty. We can experience material as well as spiritual poverty. We can waste away in both arenas while we spend an unreasonable time sleeping and folding our hands. Sleeping can refer to more than literal slumber. It can be ignoring reality in hopes it will go away, or not paying attention to what needs to be done. Folding the hands can be compared to watching entertainment when more important things need to be done, or choosing not to get involved in things we should get involved in. Nobody, including Jesus ever accomplished much without making a decisive determination to do what was not comfortable or convenient. In other words, lazy people accomplish nothing of significance. May God increase our understanding so we can be motivated to stay in motion when it is appropriate and discipline ourselves to do what is right. Understanding forces us to act responsibly.
Proverbs 23:23 NKJV
Buy the truth, and do not sell it, Also wisdom and instruction and understanding.
Solomon says we should buy understanding. When we buy something we exchange something of value for something else of value. The amount we give is based on the value we place on the item we are getting. We must value understanding to the point we are willing to give a lot to get it. Then that same attitude should help us not give in to the temptation to sell it (the understanding we receive). Sometimes people sell things of value because they want something else, but the thing they are getting in exchange is not nearly as valuable as the item they are selling. Yes, people make foolish decisions. Proverbs 23:23 warns us to evaluate carefully what is luring us, and never sell our understanding for any reason. When we know something, and go contrary to what we know because we are tempted by something that appeals to our flesh, we always end up with regrets. So when we know what to do, we need to bring our flesh under subjection and stay true to the understanding God has given us.
Proverbs 23:4 NKJV
Do not overwork to be rich. Because of your own understanding, cease!
There are times we need to extend ourselves – go a little further. Then we have to take some extra rest to regroup. Jesus and His disciples did that. John tells of how Jesus missed lunch once to minister to a Samaritan woman. These are the exceptions, not the rule. However, Solomon said that if we are going to work more than normal for a reason, the reason should not be to get rich. In other words, we should never overextend ourselves unnecessarily just to get more than we need. Acquiring wealth just for the sake of wealth is a foolish thing to do. After getting what we need to exist, getting more should be our aim, but not just for selfish reasons. Our goal should be to have the ability to advance God’s Kingdom and to bless others. We should want to have enough to be able to come and go as the Lord directs without being concerned about basic needs. Oh yes. We should want to have an abundant supply, but not to heap it upon ourselves. When we have the right heart, God will bless us to be a blessing. He who gives seed to the sower will enable us to have more than enough without overworking ourselves. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. The hard old way is the wrong way. God will not tolerate laziness, but He does not want our lives consumed with work where we have no time to serve Him and bless others. We will find the right balance when we get understanding in this area.