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What I Learned in my First Year: Prioritize Bible over Talking Points

“Because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord,  would have none of my counsel and despised all my reproof, therefore they shall eat the fruit of their way, and have their fill of their own devices” (Proverbs 1:29–31). “If your people won’t listen to the Bible,  they won’t listen to you.” —Anonymous  I’ve served in varying ministry capacities for a while now. It’s never been in the leading seat though. I’ve seen this play out from afar, watching my leaders navigate through peril and difficulty. Some were like seasoned sailors navigating stormy waters. Some capsized. Still others chugged along trying to get to greater health, greater strength, a more committed holiness, yet still a ways off. Of the healthier “captains” that I’ve served under at the healthier churches, they prioritized Scripture as their charted course and Jesus’ fame as their great North Star. I’ve sought to do that in my first year. Not perfectly executed, of course. First years are...
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Proverb of the Day: July 29, 2024

Highlight: The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe (Proverbs 29:25).

Explain: Snares are traps for catching prey. When the quarry steps into the rope, it tightens holding them in place. What a perfect picture of fear of man. Fear arrests, paralyzes. And this makes sense as men can do MUCH of the following: Die, move, lie, steal, hide motives, get sick, and more.

Trusting YHWH though brings freedom and strength. While this might be forcing terms into an explanation, it may be helpful nonetheless. There is no potential with God. There is only He who is; God is pure act. Thomas Aquinas is helpful here: “Now if God is eternal, it follows of necessity that He is not in potentiality” (Sum. Cont. Gent. 1.16). Better yet, Hebrews 13:6 teaches that Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever. Trusting YHWH makes sense when measured against fearing whether or not people will come after us, fall through on commitments, etc. The Eternal God who is pure act brings the greatest—only— sure reality of receiving blessing and life. He is ALWAYS who He says he is, and does all He says he’ll do.

And when we trust the Unchanging God, we will be unassailable/exalted/safe.

Apply: Fearing whether or not a thing will be done can prevent decision-making from taking place. Fearing the unknown implies that God can never change the hearts of people. Fearing consequences implies God isn’t involved in those details. Our soul’s state isn’t dictated by fickle, finite people. The application is simple: Trust God.

This is an active mindset change. Meaning this: Fear is actively put to death when we feel it creeping up in our hearts. The surefire way to do this is to recount God’s promises, God’s acts throughout history, and God’s relationship with you through Christ. Rehearse them. So as to avoid the attractive snare of having to rely on people in unhelpful, destructive ways.

Respond: Father, you are steadfast in love because there’s no turning in you. Would you help my heart rest in your lack of potential/always at full-tilt and steadfast character? When we trust you above potentialities, we rest.
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