Wisdom

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge,
   but fools despise wisdom and instruction.  Proverbs 1:7 (NIV)

 

 

Blackberries, iPhones, grocery lists and checkbooks are often out during worship. Maybe my preaching sucks. Maybe the music is too hard or pedestrian. Oh, and a few arms are crossed over the chest when sitting or singing. I've seen this phenomenon is other worship venues.

 

While open to interpretation, experience tells me that these actions signify a soul closed off to an encounter with God.  Maybe because we know God has change in store for us. Maybe we do not expect the encounter to be a loving one. I long ago realized that God can work through crappy preaching or worship or teaching but God will not violate a closed heart.

 

If Jesus tells the truth (John 10:10,) God has good in store for us but it involves change, sacrifice, and repentance (changing your mind and acting differently.) Only a fool would seek to sustain a mediocre life.

 

The word "foolish" in the verse above does not mean a clown or a dumb person. It means a hard-hearted person. A person who feels self-sufficient and, maybe, afraid of change. Even good change. Most of us would rather die in the familiarity of our routine than thrive in the life God offers.

 

Openness to the Lord's prompting to give up some of our old ways and abandon ourselves to try his serves as the entrance to the life we all seek when our feet hit the ground each morning.

 

How open are you? When was the last time you changed what you do because of God's prompting?