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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: 8/12/2024

HEAR Journal
Highlight: Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge, but he who hates reproof is stupid (Proverbs 12:1).

Explain: Here’s an alternative translation: Loving chastisement (מ֖וּסָר) is to love discernment/knowledge/understanding (דָּ֑עַת); correction being of lower station in your eyes (וְשֹׂנֵ֖א) is dumb. Translating וְשֹׂנֵ֖א in this way is less wooden, but isn’t that exactly what happens when we hate something? Value is dropped, trust is lost. Solomon is saying the threat is right around the corner when we no longer think of correction as our ally. Solomon wants created man to live accordingly to lex naturalis (natural law). Violating the laws discovered in revelatio generalis (general revelation) does not bring needed conviction of sin for eternal life, but it can bring needed correction in to gradually become more skilled in living today.

Recognizing the pain that comes from living unwisely is one of God’s kindest prods for course correction.

Apply: The application is to not insulate away from mistakes. Whether through cowardice, addiction, or otherwise. Receiving the blow may yet make me wise.

Respond: Father, make me unafraid of pain. Instead, make me fear not having wisdom.

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