Bearers of Knowledge
As it becomes more obvious that morality is under attack, more seriously minded people are trying to analyze the reasons. Some discuss this in terms of cultural wars and try to make sense of why and where society is headed. In all this there is a missing factor. That is, of course, God. They fail to acknowledge Him as the source of morality.
As we watch highly intelligent and educated minds search for answers, do we really appreciate the knowledge God reveals to His people? When I say “appreciate”, I really mean value!
“My son, if you receive my words, and treasure my commands within you, so that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding … if you seek her as silver and search for her as for hidden treasures…” (Proverbs 2:1-4).
If we do value godly knowledge, we will have a mind that will withstand the culture wars that rage around us. Value begins with our view of God.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge…” (Proverbs 1:7).
Reverence and deep respect of God is the starting point. That “fear” will help us position our minds so that we will carefully process knowledge that originates outside of self.
“But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit…” (1 Corinthians 2:10).
The state of mind we need is described by the Apostle Paul this way:
“For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise…” (1 Corinthians 1: 26-27).
As Paul asked at another time, what do you have that you did not receive? True knowledge originates with and from God and is revealed to us. This is not because we are in anyway “better”, but because God has a purpose in His revelation. He desires the world to know who and what He is. The power and wisdom of God is demonstrated through Christ crucified.
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God (1 Corinthians 1:18).
Through us, “the foolish things of the world”, God is going to be recognized as the revealer of true knowledge. We say and do things that are truly above our station in life. People will come to see that what we understand comes from a source outside of our physical selves. It may take some fulfillment of prophesied events before that happens – but eventually it will happen.
If we remain aware that we are the “base things of the world” and can be truly humble, the power and wisdom of God will shine through. There is nothing of ourselves to glory in.
“… that no flesh should glory in His presence. But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God – and righteousness and sanctification and redemption – that it is written, ‘He who glories, let him glory in the Lord’” (1 Corinthians 1: 29-31).
Having come through a time of deep reflection of what sin is and its consequences, let us determine to be better bearers of God’s revealed knowledge.
Let’s value what God has mercifully shared with us.
Brian Orchard
