Does anyone set up a board game and then stop on the
space marked Start?
Do you open up your computer and click the Start icon,
but never chose a program to open? Do athletes bolt out of the Starting
block, only to stop after the first step or two? Although these statements seem a
bit absurd, sometimes Christians do just this in their walks with God.
Some have come into a relationship with Jesus Christ and even taken a
move or two in building that relationship. But then they seem to just
stare out at the game board (a deep walk full of the wisdom of God). They watch their fellow players (other
believers) move around the board without continuing on very far. Start is
the beginning. Its only purpose is to set something in motion.
Proverbs 1 defines the origin of wisdom. “The reverent
and worshipful fear of the Lord is the beginning and the principal and choice
part of knowledge [its starting point and its essence]; but fools despise
skillful and godly Wisdom, instruction, and discipline.” (Proverbs 1:7
AMP) Reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is the starting point and
essence of wisdom. We must come to that place of reverence, of respect,
admiration and honor for God. We must truly acknowledge and remind
ourselves of His greatness. Without a vision of just how awesome He is, we will
never have a true trust that leads to wisdom.
For years I would quote this and I well knew that I must
respectfully worship God to gain wisdom. I often found myself asking for
wisdom. I would acknowledge that all true wisdom comes only from Him. I
sometimes even reminded Him that He promises to give His children what they ask
for in prayer. “If
you abide in me, and my words abide in
you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be
done for you”. (John 15:7 ESV) However I checked
off my list of ‘All I know to do’, I could not seem to receive and continue to
walk in God’s wisdom.
I have received His guidance in many areas of my
life. But I have recently discovered the reason why there has been an
inconsistency. I have realized that the wisdom did not generally arrive
as I sat in times of contemplating the greatness of God. It did not come
when I simply spent time in worship or as I voiced my gratefulness. It did
not even come simply because I requested it in prayer. There was another key to
moving off start and actually moving in wisdom. In the last year, I have
come to realize the other aspect of my life that was this key.
Directions for how to develop and live in the wisdom of
God are found in Psalms. “The reverent fear and worship of the Lord is the
beginning of [a]Wisdom and skill [the preceding and the first essential, the
prerequisite and the alphabet]; a good understanding, wisdom, and meaning have
all those who do [the will of the Lord]. Their
praise of Him endures forever.)” (Psalm 111:10 AMP) We have
already established in Proverbs that the starting spot of the game of Wisdom is
reverence and respect. To get off start and actually move through life
with wisdom, we must do something. This
wisdom is given to all who do His will.
Obedience was that missing key. We must
listen to and do the will of God. As we walk in obedience to each
direction He gives us, we will obtain the wisdom for the next step. We
often want it the other way around. We want the entire game plan before
we start to move. But God tells us to move and He will supply the
direction as we go. He leads from in front, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know
them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27 ESV) As we walk, He also leads from
behind. “And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is
the way, walk in it,” when you turn to the right or when you turn to
the left.” (Isaiah
30:21ESV) He has also given us the rule/play book; the Word of God.
So, we must walk in obedience, trusting that wisdom will be given, even
when we begin to misstep.
We start by learning who God really is. This is not
just titles, but truly encountering His nature. We stand in amazement of
and acknowledge Him. Then
we walk in what we know, being led step by step. One move at a time we will advance
around the game board of this life.
So, get off start. Make your move of obedience and get it
the game. It will be great!
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