Proverbs 19:20
My generation is often described in with one word that begins with an "e", can you guess what it is? People from my generation would say it's "empowered", "energetic", "entrepreneur", or even "educated". But it is neither, we are often called "entitled". Because we are often thought of as people who feel entitled to everything but act as if we have to earn nothing. And it is true, we can carry "The World Owes Me" persona and we expect unearned respect, promotions, authority, and power. We even feel entitled to blessings from Jesus because we are special. This carry's over in how we treat the generations before us, we find ourselves treating those older than us with no honor and no respect. It creates friction because we think that the older generation knows nothing but we walk as if we know everything. If you look at the teen movies that became popular in our generation and are popular now they all carry the same theme "Daddy wants his son to do what he says, but the son rebels and breaks away because he is own man at the rip old age of 18 and he has life all figured out", "The daughter falls in love with the rebel from school, the overbearing mother, who has repressed her own sinful desires since high school, holds her back but the daughter and the rebel get married and run off in the sunset with no money, job, or place to live."
The truth is entitlement is a fancy way to say "I am prideful." Make no mistake about it that God opposes the prideful but His Grace is given to the humble (James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5). Humility is the only cure for the case of "I-know-it-all-idis". The generations before us can teach us decades of wisdom. A couple celebrating 30 years of marriage can teach so much to newly weds. A manager at your job who has been in the career field for 20 years can offer insight to a new employee but it takes us being humble enough to admit that we need help. We must willing say, "I know nothing, will you teach me, mentor me, help, show me the way". I see young prideful preachers close their ears to anyone offering help. My generation tends to look at the older generation in judgement. Thoughts like "They think they know everything", They are always trying to control my life", or "They are so old-fashioned" run through our heads. But listen, the truth is, they have been where we have not, lived our dream, done what we are hoping to do, and could write a book about it.
But lack of humility we lead you to a place where God will humble you (Matthew 23:12). If you fail to show honor, humility, and respect to someone older than you or even someone who has authority over you how do you expect to show it to God? God does require us to honor those in higher positions than us as well as those who are older than us (Leviticus 19:32, Romans 13:7). When we learn to stand on the shoulders of those who came before us by allowing them to mentor us and learn from their wisdom we will grow. Pride will only bring you disgrace but humility will bring you wisdom (Proverbs 11:2). And you cannot expect anyone to honor you if fail to show humility (Proverbs 15:33).
This is not a knock against my generation and this is not to say that you are not due honor nor that you have nothing to offer. It is simply to say this, learn from those who have gone before you. Stand on their shoulders and let them lift you up with their wisdom. You can do this!
Read the Word, Spread the Gospel, Be Accountable
"In His JOY!"
Showing posts with label Wisdom. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wisdom. Show all posts
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Sunday, May 12, 2013
"Stupid King"
Ecclesiastes 4:13
To listen to instruction is knowledge but to use knowledge is wisdom. I think from time I was born I never liked being told what to do or how to do it. Even if I made mistakes and created issues from myself I did not want anyone helping me. I would rather do it my way and my way alone. Because I did not want to admit that I had flaws or made an error. I would rather suffer than get advice from anyone. I look back now and say "What an idiot I was back then!"
Listen we cannot walk through life without taking advice or seeking help. At some point in your life you will need help. To walk around thinking you have all the answers is the greatest mistake you will ever make. The Bible tells us that it is better to a poor and wise youth than an old foolish king who does not take advice (Ecclesiastes 4:13:. In other words it is better be an inexperienced person (youth) who seeks advice and uses it (wise) than an experienced person (king) who purposely neglected any form of aid (foolish).
In other words if you think just because you know what you are doing or have a grasp on the subject you don't need help, you are acting foolish. No matter how many years of experience you have, how many times you have done it, what your degree is in (ouch!), or who you think you are if you fail to take advice, you are acting as a fool. When we shrug of the advice of others we isolate ourselves from them. We indirectly tell them that their way is inferior to our way and it can make people feel belittled by you and worthless. But over time we will gain a reputation as an "old foolish king" even if we are successful we will find ourselves ruling a kingdom that is not known for its wealth but its lack of Christian Character. And eventually you will find yourself alone and even though Facebook says you have 495 friends you will really only have 2... you and yourself.
Look we need each other, we need to take advice from each other, but more importantly we need to talk to each other. A problem is easier to solve and the reward is even better if we work together (Ecclesiastes 4:9). When we go through rocky moments in life and they shake us to the core we sometimes falter and give in to the pressure. But when we have a friend, confidant, and a Christians there to help us get back on our feet how blessed or we but when we think that no one can help us and we are all alone how sad is that (Ecclesiastes 4:10). When need to hear that voice of comfort, that speech of wisdom, or that ray of hope shines in our darkest hour how blessed are we to have a friend that is there for us, but if we constantly push people off we will the feel cold wind of self-isolation (Ecclesiastes 4:11). And when we battle the struggles of this life...struggles of sin, pressure, hurt, pain, etc. it is a blessing to have a friend fight the battle with us to overcome it, but when we push others away we fight alone and we often lose (Ecclesiastes 4:11-12).
So we as Christians need turn to one another from time to time and seek help. We need to look to each other for Godly advice. We are not alone in the plight of life. But open up your mouth and get some help. I have met Christians who force their daughters to have abortions because they don't know how to ask and fear of this sin will ruin their reputation. I have met men who struggle with pornography and homosexuality but they won't seek help because they think they can defeat it on their own. There our Christians in the church who are struggling with addictions, alcohol, and depression but they refuse to seek help. Listen if that is you, your pride will be the cause of your fall (Proverbs 16:18). Getting help is not a sign of weakness but it is a sign of strength and trust.
Do you see yourself as the "wise youth" or "old foolish king"? Open up and let others end and you will learn to enjoy to Joy of fellowship that God has blessed us with (Hebrews 10:24-25). Stay focused, you can do this!
"In His JOY!"
To listen to instruction is knowledge but to use knowledge is wisdom. I think from time I was born I never liked being told what to do or how to do it. Even if I made mistakes and created issues from myself I did not want anyone helping me. I would rather do it my way and my way alone. Because I did not want to admit that I had flaws or made an error. I would rather suffer than get advice from anyone. I look back now and say "What an idiot I was back then!"
Listen we cannot walk through life without taking advice or seeking help. At some point in your life you will need help. To walk around thinking you have all the answers is the greatest mistake you will ever make. The Bible tells us that it is better to a poor and wise youth than an old foolish king who does not take advice (Ecclesiastes 4:13:. In other words it is better be an inexperienced person (youth) who seeks advice and uses it (wise) than an experienced person (king) who purposely neglected any form of aid (foolish).
In other words if you think just because you know what you are doing or have a grasp on the subject you don't need help, you are acting foolish. No matter how many years of experience you have, how many times you have done it, what your degree is in (ouch!), or who you think you are if you fail to take advice, you are acting as a fool. When we shrug of the advice of others we isolate ourselves from them. We indirectly tell them that their way is inferior to our way and it can make people feel belittled by you and worthless. But over time we will gain a reputation as an "old foolish king" even if we are successful we will find ourselves ruling a kingdom that is not known for its wealth but its lack of Christian Character. And eventually you will find yourself alone and even though Facebook says you have 495 friends you will really only have 2... you and yourself.
Look we need each other, we need to take advice from each other, but more importantly we need to talk to each other. A problem is easier to solve and the reward is even better if we work together (Ecclesiastes 4:9). When we go through rocky moments in life and they shake us to the core we sometimes falter and give in to the pressure. But when we have a friend, confidant, and a Christians there to help us get back on our feet how blessed or we but when we think that no one can help us and we are all alone how sad is that (Ecclesiastes 4:10). When need to hear that voice of comfort, that speech of wisdom, or that ray of hope shines in our darkest hour how blessed are we to have a friend that is there for us, but if we constantly push people off we will the feel cold wind of self-isolation (Ecclesiastes 4:11). And when we battle the struggles of this life...struggles of sin, pressure, hurt, pain, etc. it is a blessing to have a friend fight the battle with us to overcome it, but when we push others away we fight alone and we often lose (Ecclesiastes 4:11-12).
So we as Christians need turn to one another from time to time and seek help. We need to look to each other for Godly advice. We are not alone in the plight of life. But open up your mouth and get some help. I have met Christians who force their daughters to have abortions because they don't know how to ask and fear of this sin will ruin their reputation. I have met men who struggle with pornography and homosexuality but they won't seek help because they think they can defeat it on their own. There our Christians in the church who are struggling with addictions, alcohol, and depression but they refuse to seek help. Listen if that is you, your pride will be the cause of your fall (Proverbs 16:18). Getting help is not a sign of weakness but it is a sign of strength and trust.
Do you see yourself as the "wise youth" or "old foolish king"? Open up and let others end and you will learn to enjoy to Joy of fellowship that God has blessed us with (Hebrews 10:24-25). Stay focused, you can do this!
"In His JOY!"
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
"I don't pity the fool!"
1 Corinthians 1:18-31
The idea that a God would become a human being that died for the sins of the entire world and resurrect Himself seems to be foolishness to a lot of people. I heard one person say, "it just seems pretty impossible". And I agree, it seems ludicrous but at the same time for someone to do what Jesus did it proves He is God. Only a God would be powerful enough to make Himself a human being and be mortal wounded, then turn around and come back from death. No one has ever declared that they allow someone to kill them and then proclaim that after being dead for three days that they would return to life. And even if someone else was bold enough to make that claim they have never been able to produce any results.
But this makes it clear to me that to believe in Jesus I have to consider my wisdom worthless when compared to God's. Our wisdom does have value, don't get me wrong. But when compared to the wisdom of God it pales in comparison. And though faith appears foolish to some, this foolishness has transformed lives for over 2,000 years.
Some people want a sign that Jesus lived and/or is alive. Others are looking for a logical reason to believe as opposed to faith. But if you ask for one sign it is not enough to cause you to believe. If you ask for a logical explanation it won't satisfy. Only faith can satisfy belief and trust in God. Only faith can please God, our eyes deceive and shake our beliefs. But faith in Jesus sustains us. As always it is a choice we make and to believe in Jesus. And you do not need to believe it for it to be true.
Stay focused, you can do this!
"In His JOY!"
The idea that a God would become a human being that died for the sins of the entire world and resurrect Himself seems to be foolishness to a lot of people. I heard one person say, "it just seems pretty impossible". And I agree, it seems ludicrous but at the same time for someone to do what Jesus did it proves He is God. Only a God would be powerful enough to make Himself a human being and be mortal wounded, then turn around and come back from death. No one has ever declared that they allow someone to kill them and then proclaim that after being dead for three days that they would return to life. And even if someone else was bold enough to make that claim they have never been able to produce any results.
But this makes it clear to me that to believe in Jesus I have to consider my wisdom worthless when compared to God's. Our wisdom does have value, don't get me wrong. But when compared to the wisdom of God it pales in comparison. And though faith appears foolish to some, this foolishness has transformed lives for over 2,000 years.
Some people want a sign that Jesus lived and/or is alive. Others are looking for a logical reason to believe as opposed to faith. But if you ask for one sign it is not enough to cause you to believe. If you ask for a logical explanation it won't satisfy. Only faith can satisfy belief and trust in God. Only faith can please God, our eyes deceive and shake our beliefs. But faith in Jesus sustains us. As always it is a choice we make and to believe in Jesus. And you do not need to believe it for it to be true.
Stay focused, you can do this!
"In His JOY!"
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Monday, February 4, 2013
"Looking for stuff in all the wrong places"
Matthew 6:25-34
Everyone is looking for something. Some of us are pursing concrete things look money, friends, or objects. Others are looking for more abstract things like peace, wisdom, or love. Life tends make the pursuit of our happiness hard to get. We get money but it is never enough. We find true love only later to have our hearts broken. We obtain friends but death, life, and problems separate us. We become wise but soon our wisdom becomes outdated and we other consider us to be fools. We get cars and houses but they become either too small or break down. We find peace but it is only temporary. This is the problem when your pursuit of happiness is for concrete and abstract ideas that will not stand the test of time.
These pursuits cause us to compromise our beliefs, morals, and values. Leaving us feeling empty and unfulfilled so end the pursuit of one thing and go after another one. The more we pursue them the more and they take away from us. What we lose is never replaced and what we thought we gained only last for a moment. If we are willing to lose our life and accept Jesus we will gain life in Christ (Matthew 10:39). So this is an exchange and not a sale of our inner most being. This world would have sell your very soul and gain nothing in return (Mark 8:36).
You want peace you can have it in Jesus (John 14:27). You want real love, you have it in God (1 John 4:8). You lack wisdom, Jesus will give you what you need (James 1:5). As for those concrete things, the Lord you need such things. But He desires for you to seek after Him. And He promises He will take care of you and provide for your needs (Matthew 6:25-34). These promises and guarantees are for those who would dare to believe and put their faith in Jesus. So I ask you would you dare to believe?
Stay focused, you can do this.
In His JOY!
Everyone is looking for something. Some of us are pursing concrete things look money, friends, or objects. Others are looking for more abstract things like peace, wisdom, or love. Life tends make the pursuit of our happiness hard to get. We get money but it is never enough. We find true love only later to have our hearts broken. We obtain friends but death, life, and problems separate us. We become wise but soon our wisdom becomes outdated and we other consider us to be fools. We get cars and houses but they become either too small or break down. We find peace but it is only temporary. This is the problem when your pursuit of happiness is for concrete and abstract ideas that will not stand the test of time.
These pursuits cause us to compromise our beliefs, morals, and values. Leaving us feeling empty and unfulfilled so end the pursuit of one thing and go after another one. The more we pursue them the more and they take away from us. What we lose is never replaced and what we thought we gained only last for a moment. If we are willing to lose our life and accept Jesus we will gain life in Christ (Matthew 10:39). So this is an exchange and not a sale of our inner most being. This world would have sell your very soul and gain nothing in return (Mark 8:36).
You want peace you can have it in Jesus (John 14:27). You want real love, you have it in God (1 John 4:8). You lack wisdom, Jesus will give you what you need (James 1:5). As for those concrete things, the Lord you need such things. But He desires for you to seek after Him. And He promises He will take care of you and provide for your needs (Matthew 6:25-34). These promises and guarantees are for those who would dare to believe and put their faith in Jesus. So I ask you would you dare to believe?
Stay focused, you can do this.
In His JOY!
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