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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...

Proverb of the Day: 8/5/2024

HEAR Journal

Highlight: Prize her highly, and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her (Proverbs 4:8).

Explain: There are two cause and effect statements in this verse. A reductionistic interpretation would sound like: You’ll be known for what you treasure. It’s not wrong. One could even be interpreting faithfully by saying that. Solomon isn’t generalizing though. Wisdom is what we’re after here. 

•Prize (pile it up publicly; סַלְסְלֶ֥הָ) wisdom, and wisdom will lift you up (וּֽתְרוֹמְמֶ֑ךָּ).
•Clasp your hands around wisdom’s way (תְחַבְּקֶֽנָּה), and wisdom will make you great (תְּ֝כַבֵּ֗דְךָ).

Wisdom lifts her students beyond where they could go on their own.

Apply: Being great necessarily means being humble/being humbled. Greatness in Jesus’ kingdom is for the likes of humbled, learning children (Matthew 18:1-5). Whoever is last shall be first (Matthew 20:1-16). Before Jesus taught the crowds, Solomon the wise knew a bit about the Kingdom way. We don’t cherish the prestige of being first. But we want wisdom. Craving her has the effect of being exalted. 

I need to ask people this week what they think motivates me. Do I prize wisdom? Do I want to be wise in my own eyes? What do others see?

Respond: Father, make me wise in your eyes. Make me crave wisdom!

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