The Difference Between Knowledge & Wisdom

SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 2:9-12

“However, as it is written: ‘No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him’ — but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. 

      

The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.  For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.”

OBSERVATION:

Biblical/spiritual knowledge can be gleaned by picking up a book, reading a commentary, listening to a sermon, etc..  There are lots of great resources to help us learn more and know more about our Christian faith.  This knowledge is invaluable to us.  It resources our walk of faith, it strengthens our case for faith, and makes God understandable enough.  The truth is, though, that most of these resources are result of somebody having the wisdom of God imparted to them thru intimate relationship with God thru the Holy Spirit.  We are gleaning the fruit of somebody else’s relationship with God.  It is almost like knowledge can be defined as regurgitated wisdom.

It is not bad to get all the knowledge you can.  In fact you should learn all you can from godly men and women, who have “been there, done that, and bought the T-shirt” with God.  However, it is not a worthy replacement for wisdom that is imparted to you thru the Holy Spirit.  Wisdom that is delivered fresh from the mind of God to your mind.  Wisdom that is given to you because thru a personal heart of worship, obedience, and prayer you have touched the heart of God.  

The difference between knowledge about God and wisdom from God is the difference between reading a book about one of your heroes (Dr. Martin Luther King, Abraham Lincoln, Saint Paul) and sitting on their front porch with them, sipping an Arnold Palmer, and conversing about life.

APPLICATION:

I want to know as much as I can about what I believe.  I want a basis for my faith.  The truth is that while knowledge may get me places in this life, it will pass away, but the wisdom of God imparted to me will take me into eternity.  I want to not just know about God, I want to know His heart and His mind.  Therefore, I need to sit with Him and talk life with Him.  Ask question and then shut up and listen.  I need to read His word as it is breathed from the very heart and mind of God.  I need to ask the Holy Spirit to awaken my spirit to what God is wanting to impart to me each day.

PRAYER:

Father, thank you for your grace and mercy.  Thank you for giving me your wisdom.  Lord you hold nothing back from those who love and seek your heart.  Give me wisdom as I sit with you and talk life.  In Jesus name, AMEN!

God Applauds The Stage Hands

SCRIPTURE:  MARK 10:35-37 & 41-45

“Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him. ‘Teacher,’ they said, ‘we want you to do for us whatever we ask.’

‘What do you want me to do for you?’ he asked.

They replied, ‘Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory...’

...When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.  Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,  and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.  For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’”

OBSERVATION:

The Kingdom of God really is counter cultural in every way.  In this life status and clout are achieved through networking and schmoozing.  The biggest decisions and best deals are usually made in the meeting after the meeting (when the schmoozer pulls the boss off to the side to  bring to the boss’s attention his many talents and experience that should move him to the top of the list for the next promotion).

It is no wonder the other disciples were upset.  What right did James and John have to ask such a request?

Jesus pulls them back into the Kingdom reality and reminds them that things work very different in the Kingdom of God.  Status and clout have less to do with leading and ruling and more to do with serving.  It has less to do with authority and more to do with giving.  

APPLICATION:

When looking for the attention and approval of God I get further with humility, servitude, and sacrifice than I do with authority, skill, and quick talking.  I need to remember in all situations that I am performing for an audience of 1 and he applauds the stage hands more than he applauds the lead actor.

PRAYER:

Father, thank you that you love us enough to listen to our desires, even the selfish ones.  You are patient.  Thanks even more, that you don’t let us settle for our shallow desires but you pull us back to your Kingdoms rule and purpose.  You remind us of the things that really matter.  Help me to have your heart and the remember my anchor in your kingdom rather than default to the ways of this world.  In Jesus Name, AMEN!!!