In order to SEE from God’s perspective (wisdom), we must LOOK for God’s perspective. Is that something you want?

⁸ The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin.

We tend to want God’s provision and protection but not His direction. We still want to live as we want to live. It used to be that life in America used to reflect Christian values; not so much anymore. The good side is that Christians are having to be more deliberate about their Christianity these days. As the days grow darker, we will need to be even more so. The winds of trial separate the chaff from the wheat. In other words, when Christianity no longer benefits many, they will abandon it for what does benefit them. They have missed the most important thing: Their relationship with the LORD Jesus Christ, which lets us know that there never really was one.

²³ A fool finds pleasure in wicked [his own] schemes, but a person of understanding delights in wisdom.

Do we understand that our lives are not our own anymore? Do we comprehend that the Spirit of God lives in us and has, with our consent, commandeered us for His will and His glory? If so, then we will seek out God’s will, His heart, and His passion. We will work at hearing His voice and obeying His commands. We will look for His direction and then follow it.

²⁴ What the wicked dread will overtake them; what the righteous desire will be granted [the answer in both cases is God!].

This verse is a promise for us Christians and the consequence for those who refuse to follow Christ. They will ultimately answer to God for their rebellion. We, on the other hand, will be rewarded by standing in His presence blameless, righteous, spotless and holy–made so by the blood of Jesus Christ and His indwelling presence in our lives.

It’s time to change the way we think about our lives. Paul had the right idea:

¹⁸ I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.

²² We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. ²³ Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies [when Christ returns and makes all things new]. ²⁴ For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? ²⁵ But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. Romans 8:18, 22-25

God has a wonderful future in store for us. We must set our hearts on what He has in the future rather than what we can get out of this world right now. Jim Elliot said, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Let’s give our mortal lives to our blessed Savior knowing that He has a much better life in store for us beyond this life. What does He want you to do? ASK HIM! He knows and has a wonderful plan.

Abba, I once again give You my life to do with as You will. I give You my health, my ministry, my marriage, my money, my material goods, my free time–everything for Your glory. May You use me to further Your kingdom in whatever manner You choose. I am Yours lock, stock and barrel. So, what shall we do today? TBC…