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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: 8/1/2024

HEAR Journal

•Highlight: Because I have called and you refused to listen, have stretched out my hand and no one has heeded, because you have ignored all my counsel and would have none of my reproof, I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when terror strikes you, when terror strikes you like a storm and your calamity comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you (Proverbs 1:24–27).

•Explain: In multiple, different passages, wisdom is personified as a: woman crying out in streets (1:20), or one’s source of watching/protection (2:9-11), and more. Wisdom does not just protect and honor though. Wisdom laughs at and mocks (שׂחק) those who disregard her. Wisdom jeers (לעג) those when calamity strikes. Wisdom is happy to say, “I told you so.”

Why though? Because Wisdom helps those see the golden thread of reaping and sowing, or cause and effect. Wisdom is not just saying that there is only one way to pursue a helpful outcome. Wisdom also says there are sometimes helpful principles to consider when seeking the helpful outcome. The mocked are those that have chosen not to listen. And they are mocked because they think they are wise in their own eyes.

•Apply: I want nothing to do with being on Wisdom’s bad side. I need a calm, receptive, soft heart and open ears. Death and heartache come when I’m closed off.

How will I be opened to wisdom today? I need to ask how a thing moves us to the most desired outcome in every conversation. I need to ask how each step is helpful, measured, gracious, and godly.

•Respond: Father, I don’t want to be a pragmatist. I want to be obedient—even when I don’t see the way things make sense. Help me today seek wisdom.
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