Been working in Colossians lately, and thought there is a beautiful cycle of life happening in verses 9-10. Paul prays that the church in Colossae might be filled with knowledge of God's will in spiritual wisdom and understanding. But these are never ends to themselves, they are the means to walking in a holy manner, a manner worthy of the Lord. But again it doesn't end there; we are to produce fruit in every good work. We don't necessarily have to work at this -- bearing fruit happens automatically when our lives are in tune with God, connected to the vine. Then, as we bear fruit, we end up increasing our knowledge of the Lord, which takes us back to the top and the cycle begins again.
"And so, from they day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of the Lord." Co 1.9-10 ESV
Knowledge, then faith-based action on that knowledge, leads to a holy life, which leads to greater knowledge of God and his will. Paul's prayer for you is my prayer for you.
Showing posts with label knowledge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label knowledge. Show all posts
Monday, April 19, 2010
Friday, September 19, 2008
Getting in a hurry
I am notorious for getting in a hurry to get certain things done. But there is something to be said for doing it right:
"Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way." Pr 19.2
The young are full of passion, ready to change the world. But passion alone can't do it. Knowledge is required. The knowledge on where to go is of primary value--it comes before the passion to go. Passion is vital, but subservient to knowledge.
Another of today's proverbs is about not getting in a hurry to be mad:
"Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense." 19.11
I hope I have good sense. It's not a personality trait, although I'm sure some people are naturally less likely to get angry than others. Good sense is learned behavior. It has to be practiced. Maybe that's why those people that drive you crazy are still in your life--God's growing your good sense muscles...
"Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will repay him for his deed." 19.17
We are just stewards of our stuff, God is the Owner. However God looks at our generosity to those in need as lending to him money. Amazing. We get "double credit" by giving to the poor--once from the experience with them and once from God. And God pays us back.
"Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way." Pr 19.2
The young are full of passion, ready to change the world. But passion alone can't do it. Knowledge is required. The knowledge on where to go is of primary value--it comes before the passion to go. Passion is vital, but subservient to knowledge.
Another of today's proverbs is about not getting in a hurry to be mad:
"Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense." 19.11
I hope I have good sense. It's not a personality trait, although I'm sure some people are naturally less likely to get angry than others. Good sense is learned behavior. It has to be practiced. Maybe that's why those people that drive you crazy are still in your life--God's growing your good sense muscles...
"Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will repay him for his deed." 19.17
We are just stewards of our stuff, God is the Owner. However God looks at our generosity to those in need as lending to him money. Amazing. We get "double credit" by giving to the poor--once from the experience with them and once from God. And God pays us back.
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