As we accumulate more and more knowledge and more and more technology we start to see that things that used to be amazing are kind of normal, or even passe’ today. I remember back in the 70’s not even having a computer. In the 80’s we had limited access to information, but we could do spreadsheets and word documents. In the 90’s the internet became a reality, but we could barely “get mail.” In the early 2000’s we realized we needed more memory with all the information that we were piling up. And now in 2012 we can access information from anywhere at the touch of a button. It’s amazing how far we have come, but how little we know. We acquire knowledge, or should I say test scores, and we immediately think we are highly intelligent and ready to handle the big things in life. But in reality knowledge has to be applied through experience and maturity to move into the realm of wisdom. Knowledge unused is dead and learning something is the first of many steps to it being helpful to our lives. Even Bible Knowledge has to be filtered through hearts that God has equipped to handle it. The Bible calls that discernment and discernment is not something we see a whole lot of at this point in our history. Even with the improvement of the computer over the past few years we still lack in using information in a quality way. It comes back to the instructor and then of course, the learner.
It’s not so different from how we apply what we learn from God’s Word. If we would apply just a portion of the great wisdom the Bible gives us and use it for God’s Glory we would leap forward in our understanding of how this whole thing works. People would want to access our wisdom and would want to know how to acquire it. We would become the latest IPAD, with brilliant speed and great information as to the mysteries of life. I guess you could call us IBIBLES because the Word of God would be found living in us, ready to access at the push of a button. To push our button would be to ask us about this hope we live in right now. Peter wrote these very words as he said in 1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. So, to acquire knowledge and use it to live our lives and then help others is the right thing to do. Right? Then why don’t we have more Christians meeting together regularly to discuss the Word and encourage each other in the faith? Why do we have to wait for a yearly Beth Moore Conference or Men’s Conference to get our “Bible Fix?” That’s a good question that needs to be answered by us all. In John 3, a very learned, religious man came to Jesus asking Him about eternal life. Jesus imparted the pure truth to him, but he could not get it. He had enough “school” and “church” knowledge to kill a horse, but he could not understand the thought of being “born again.” Of course, the first hint that Nicodemus didn’t get it was when he said in verse 2, “We know you have come from God as a teacher.” He didn’t get it that he was talking to the Son of God. The Son of God told him that it was through the Spirit you must be born again. Nicodemus asked him how these things could be and then Jesus brings the truth to reality when He says, “Are you a teacher of Israel and do not understand these things?” Then Jesus says something that should be an encouragement to all who are “born again.” He states that He came from heaven (you know the place where we are going) and that is where this knowledge comes from. Wow! If I was in a group of guys and we were all bragging about our accomplishments in life and at the end of all our bragging Jesus steps in and says, “heaven….been there done that” it would turn heads. Much like it did when He shared this truth with Nicodemus. He didn’t leave old Nick hanging though as He shares one of our most beloved scriptures with him. John 3:16 is shared and the whoever brings it back in to Nick’s court. Scripture doesn’t say whether Nicodemus was born again at that time, but the truth, the pure truth was shared that day by the Son of God who had gave him the ultimate wisdom.
Here’s a challenge to all of us “students of God’s Word.” How about we start reading the Bible and allowing it to speak truth to where we are now and where we need it in the days ahead. Our approach to life will be so different when that happens. Every moment will become an opportunity to share real wisdom with others, just like Jesus did. Every relationship will deepen and become more open and honest, just like the ones Jesus met. Every time we step out on the playing field of life we will be ready for anything, just like Jesus. Then when someone says, “How do you know all this wisdom?” You can say, “I am a wisdom walker.”
The Pilgrimage continues……
David Warren