“Wisdom majors on the essential life issues and limits mental junk food. Useless information takes up mental space!“
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – January 20, 2021
You have trusted in your wickedness and have said, ‘No one sees me.’ Your wisdom and knowledge mislead you when you say to yourself, ‘I am, and there is none besides me.’ Isaiah 47:10
Why do I enjoy knowing things? If it’s to grow in understanding in how to better love and serve others—good. If my hunger for information is to impress with my keen insights or to take advantage of someone—not so good. The reality is—I can easily become proud of my knowledge. Without a proper working out (mental exercise) of knowledge, it rarely converts to wisdom. Life experiences and conversations with the wise forge information on the anvil of reality into wise living. Only with a humble, teachable heart am I able to convert truth into being more like Jesus. When knowledge is for only me, I become info obese, but learning to love others grows wisdom.
The prophet Isaiah calls out God’s people for using their knowledge and worldly wisdom for their own unseemly purposes. The common lie they espoused was the belief they could conduct their sinful affairs in isolation—without affecting others. But, having misled themselves down the path of wickedness—blatant sin against their Creator—they are reminded of a higher calling for those who call themselves lovers of God. If their lifestyle is not pleasing to the Lord, Isaiah says this is reason enough to cease. Mind renewal in God thoughts is able to uproot foolishness.
“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:22-24).
Ignorance is not an option for those who desire to grow in the knowledge and holiness of the Lord. One wise approach is to limit our screen time to necessary and helpful information. Whatever season of life we find ourselves, let’s learn how to be the best version of ourselves. Wishing away the present, without preparing for the future is a futile and unhelpful exercise. What if instead, we learn how to grow in humility, love and faith? And, what if we ask a mentor to help us better manage our finances, love our spouse and train our children? Let’s major on the essential life issues and limit our mental junk food. Useless information takes up mental space!
Most of all, as followers of Jesus, let’s boldly dive into the rich depths of the wisdom and knowledge of God. Knowing God equips us to know ourselves and to know others. Loving God shows us how to love ourselves and to love others. Our heavenly Father’s holiness is able to burn away inadequate information and leave the residue of wisdom. The plaque of pride that feeds knowledge obesity dissolves away in the face of a humble heart and teachable mind willing to learn, change and grow into Christlikeness. Spiritual health comes from a coachable community.
Do life with others while you work out your faith. True knowledge and wisdom lead us to God.
“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:9-10).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, teach me your ways of wisdom, in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
What mental junk food do I need to avoid?
Related Reading
2 Chronicles 1:11; Daniel 2:21; Romans 11:3; Colossians 2:3
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