by Rehema Jonathan | 17 December 2020 08:46 pm12
Jeremiah 4:22 says,
“For my people are foolish, they do not know me; they are senseless children; they have no understanding. They are skilled in doing evil; they do not know how to do good.”
This verse points to a deep issue God’s people, despite having access to His wisdom, are often ignorant of the most important things, namely, understanding God’s ways and how to live according to His will. Theologically, this speaks to human depravity and the natural tendency to stray from righteousness (Romans 3:23). True wisdom comes from God, and without His guidance, even the people who should know Him are led astray.
A Call to New Creation
Shalom! When God calls us to become new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), He expects us to be transformed not just outwardly but inwardly our desires, motivations, and actions should reflect a deep commitment to Him. As new creatures, we should actively seek to please God in every area of our lives, motivated by His love and grace.
The World’s Wisdom and Our Spiritual Foolishness
People in the world invest great effort into achieving their desires, often with intelligence and dedication. For example, an alcoholic, though trapped in a destructive habit, uses practical wisdom to ensure they get their supply of alcohol. They work hard, sometimes long hours, to maintain their lifestyle, demonstrating their commitment to their desire. This shows how people, even in sin, use their minds to achieve their goals. They understand that achieving their desires requires effort.
Jesus highlights this contrast in Luke 16:8b,
“…the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of the light.”
The world’s people often apply wisdom and diligence to their pursuits, even when those pursuits are wrong. As Christians, we are called to be more diligent and shrewd in pursuing godliness than the world is in pursuing sin. This doesn’t mean adopting worldly strategies but using the wisdom God gives us for His glory (James 1:5).
Spiritual Growth Requires Effort
Now, consider the Christian who knows that Sunday is the day they should gather with other believers for worship, a place where they receive spiritual nourishment and heavenly blessings. Yet, many show up empty-handed and leave with nothing, failing to participate in the way they should. Malachi 3:10 reminds us to bring our tithes and offerings to God’s house, not out of obligation but as an act of worship and gratitude for His provision. Failing to engage fully in worship and giving reflects a lack of understanding of our role as stewards of God’s blessings.
True spiritual growth requires effort. Romans 12:1-2 urges us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is our true and proper worship. It is an active process of transformation. We must intentionally pursue righteousness, just as the alcoholic diligently pursues their vice, but in this case, we pursue holiness.
The Foolishness of Worldly Priorities
On the other hand, a Christian may prioritize worldly events, like contributing to a neighbor’s wedding or social gathering, over spiritual growth. They might prepare for months, saving money to give at the right time. This reflects the opposite of spiritual wisdom it is foolishness to focus so much on temporal, earthly matters while neglecting spiritual investment (Matthew 6:19-21). Jesus taught us to lay up treasures in heaven, not on earth, where moth and rust destroy.
The Christian who only gives a few minutes to prayer or Bible study, expecting to grow spiritually, is acting in foolishness. James 4:8 calls us to draw near to God, and He will draw near to us. Spiritual growth requires active participation, not passivity. We cannot expect to grow spiritually if we do not intentionally engage with God through prayer, Scripture, and fellowship.
The Power of Diligence in Faith
A worldly student, for instance, understands that academic success requires time, dedication, and often staying up late to study. Similarly, a Christian must understand that spiritual success requires effort. Philippians 2:12-13 says,
“…continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose.”
Spiritual growth is a partnership: God provides the power, but we must be diligent in working out our salvation with intentional effort.
If we want to see results spiritually, we must apply the same commitment and intelligence that we once applied to worldly desires, but now for the glory of God. The Apostle Paul urges us to
“press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).
We should never settle for spiritual mediocrity but strive to grow closer to God each day.
The Reward of Diligence in God’s Kingdom
Romans 16:19-20 reminds us of the reward for diligently pursuing what is good:
“…but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.”
This verse assures us that when we dedicate ourselves to good works and righteousness, God will give us victory over the enemy. This crushing of Satan under our feet is not just a metaphorical victory but a spiritual reality in Christ (Luke 10:19). When we stand firm in faith, resisting the enemy, we experience the victory that Jesus already secured for us on the cross (Colossians 2:15).
Living as Victors Over Satan
Do you want Satan to be powerless in your life? The secret is simple: be wise in doing good and foolish in doing evil. Ephesians 6:10-11 urges us to
“be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
Make it a habit to grow spiritually, doing more than you did yesterday. Each day, take a step forward in your spiritual walk whether it’s through prayer, fasting, giving, or studying Scripture. Over time, you will see the results, and you will live with the assurance that Satan has already been defeated under your feet (Romans 16:20).
Conclusion
We must recognize that spiritual growth demands the same diligence and effort that we put into worldly matters. When we give our best to God, He will equip us, and we will experience victory over the enemy, living as those who are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus (Romans 8:37).
May the Lord bless you richly as you walk in His wisdom.
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