What's high on your want and wish list just now? In a down economy, your top concern may have a real sense of urgency - a job, a financial breakthrough, a solution to your mortgage mess, etc. But, that which seems most urgent isn't always most important.
The wisest man of all time didn't get that way by chance. When given a "blank check" of options from God, he chose wisdom.
"Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people, for who can rule this great people of Yours?' God said to Solomon, 'Because you had this in mind, and did not ask for riches, wealth or honor, or the life of those who hate you, nor have you even asked for long life, but you have asked for yourself wisdom and knowledge that you may rule My people over whom I have made you king, wisdom and knowledge have been granted to you. And I will give you riches and wealth and honor, such as none of the kings who were before you has possessed nor those who will come after you.'" (2 Chronicles 1:10-12)
Solomon was divinely gifted with wisdom, but fortune and fame came as a secondary gift from the God of heaven. The results sound similar to a promise made by Jesus: "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:33)
I sometimes wonder if we really know what we need most. I've spent more than my share of time urgently seeking the secondary things that seemed so important, while being distracted from the priority of the most important. In other words, I've sought the needs of this world at the expense of seeking the kingdom first.
Who can really trust his/her wisdom? Wise Solomon would later go on to write: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6) How often does life take a crooked turn as we try to figure things out ourselves? In moments of panic and desperation we take matters into our own hands, and forsake trust in God, and end up in even more desperate circumstances.
It's tough when the preacher has to practice what he preaches. These thoughts come at a moment of second-guessing God; a dangerous, but easy habit. So, these important reminders are especially personal as they go out to you as well. Challenging as personal application may be, these things are absolutely true. There is wisdom in seeking first the kingdom, and the siren call of life's practical needs will ultimately be met by the King of the kingdom.
Live hopefully, and faithfully, seeking the wisdom from above to guide in all that happens today on earth.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011
The wisest man of all time didn't get that way by chance. When given a "blank check" of options from God, he chose wisdom.
"Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people, for who can rule this great people of Yours?' God said to Solomon, 'Because you had this in mind, and did not ask for riches, wealth or honor, or the life of those who hate you, nor have you even asked for long life, but you have asked for yourself wisdom and knowledge that you may rule My people over whom I have made you king, wisdom and knowledge have been granted to you. And I will give you riches and wealth and honor, such as none of the kings who were before you has possessed nor those who will come after you.'" (2 Chronicles 1:10-12)
Solomon was divinely gifted with wisdom, but fortune and fame came as a secondary gift from the God of heaven. The results sound similar to a promise made by Jesus: "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:33)
I sometimes wonder if we really know what we need most. I've spent more than my share of time urgently seeking the secondary things that seemed so important, while being distracted from the priority of the most important. In other words, I've sought the needs of this world at the expense of seeking the kingdom first.
Who can really trust his/her wisdom? Wise Solomon would later go on to write: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6) How often does life take a crooked turn as we try to figure things out ourselves? In moments of panic and desperation we take matters into our own hands, and forsake trust in God, and end up in even more desperate circumstances.
It's tough when the preacher has to practice what he preaches. These thoughts come at a moment of second-guessing God; a dangerous, but easy habit. So, these important reminders are especially personal as they go out to you as well. Challenging as personal application may be, these things are absolutely true. There is wisdom in seeking first the kingdom, and the siren call of life's practical needs will ultimately be met by the King of the kingdom.
Live hopefully, and faithfully, seeking the wisdom from above to guide in all that happens today on earth.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011
posted by steve @ 9:16 AM
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