Mark 12:33 NKJV
And to love Him with all the heart, with all the understanding, with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love one's neighbor as oneself, is more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices."
Once we get understanding we need to love God with all of it. In other words, we need to use what we understand for His glory. We also need to love Him with our understanding, seeking Him for more understanding while we worship and serve Him with the understanding we already have. I love you Lord, with all my understanding.
Jeremiah 4:22 NKJV
" For My people are foolish, They have not known Me. They are silly children, And they have no understanding. They are wise to do evil, But to do good they have no knowledge."
When we decide to do evil, we exhibit a lack of understanding. Knowledge of God and understanding of His plan and purpose will keep us from making wrong decisions. Oh God! Give us understanding that we may always choose to do the right thing.
Jeremiah 3:15 NKJV
And I will give you shepherds according to My heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.
There are different ways God will help us get understanding. One of them is through the ministry gifts. If we are not giving attention to the ministry gifts God has given us, we are slowing down our progress when it comes to understanding. However, notice they are to be shepherds or leaders after God's heart. If someone comes along teaching contrary to God's Word, they are not operating on God's behalf. God is not the author of confusion and will not contradict Himself. Once we find a pastor that teaches according the the Bible and under the anointing of the Holy Spirit, we need to pay attention and learn from him or her. It is one way God intended for us to increase in understanding.
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!