THE PRINCIPAL THING

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 “ If only” and “had I known” are dreadful statements. In life, we make mistakes. We do things we shouldn’t have done and take decisions we shouldn’t have taken. We all want clearly defined issues-to know what to do, when to do it and how to do it. As a student, nothing makes me happier than when a lecturer gives an area of concentration to study and prepare for a test. It simplifies our studies and gives us time to do other things. In short, what I am trying to say is that we all need WISDOM, KNOWLEDGE, UNDERSTANDING, guidance and direction in life.
Everyone needs wisdom-parents, leaders, teachers, businessmen, students, philosophers and especially youths. The Bible instructs us not to be tossed about by every wind of doctrine. With wisdom, you will discern between what is good and evil, you will be saved from the lures of sin and you will excel in all that you do.

         King Solomon is the character in the Bible that is known for his vast wisdom as seen in the Books of Proverbs, 1 Kings and Ecclesiastes. He begins the Book of Proverbs with reasons we should have wisdom: That they may know wisdom and instruction, understand words of insight, receive instruction in wise dealing, righteousness, justice and equity; that prudence may be given to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth.(Prov. 1:2-4)

         You can go to school forever and learn everything from how to splice genes to global economic theory and all its likes but if you do not have wisdom, you are going to be ignorant of the way life really works. You cannot understand history, science, philosophy, psychology, economics, engineering, arts, sexuality or yourself unless God is in the picture. The Bible boldly tells us that wisdom, intelligence and understanding are available to all of God’s people. God desires to pour out the spirit of wisdom and make His word known to His people. There should be no such thing as an ignorant or stupid Christian. God wants His people to be sharp and intelligent and He has made available the resources for all of His people to receive wisdom. God’s people should be the brightest people on the planet because God has given us total wisdom for life in His word. Throughout the centuries, God has expanded the minds of world leaders, scientists, musicians, artists, businessmen, parents, students, educators, missionaries etc who have come to Him in prayer for wisdom and He will do the same for you.

           1 James 1: 5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” Wisdom is available if we want it. If we are walking according to God’s directions then God will speak to us everywhere. If we are listening to God and are reading His word, He will help us to understand why things happen, and will warn us of dangers. Isaiah 48:17 says, “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go.” Did you hear that? God is saying that to you.

          God came to Solomon in a dream and encouraged Him to ask for anything that he might want. Solomon pleased God because he asked for wisdom instead of asking for a long life, riches and revenge on his enemies (1 Kings 3:10-14). Because Solomon’s attitude was right, in addition to wisdom, God gave him the things he had not asked for. The Bible states that wisdom is available to any of God’s people if they will ask for it (Proverbs 8:1-9:12). Solomon had tapped into God’s wisdom and his own wisdom became legendary. King Solomon was continually instructed to obey God’s commandments, to walk in the ways of the Lord and keep His ordinances. 1 Kings 3:3 says, “Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of his father David…” You cannot have wisdom, guidance and direction outside of God.  You need God to be able to do the right thing, be at the right place and make the right decision. In fact, you need God in order to live life to the fullest. Many times, we have lost opportunities, gone into the wrong relationships etc because we have not asked God for wisdom. God is interested in what we do and is always ready to give us guidance.

            The wise King Solomon said, “…Fear God and keep His commandments; for this is the whole duty of man.” The fear of God can never be exaggerated. It is of utmost importance. It is the whole duty of man! The Bible tells us that it is the beginning of knowledge (Proverbs 1:7). When you have knowledge about something, you need to understand it. You also need wisdom on how to apply such knowledge. These three principles go together and the Bible says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of having them all. The most important thing you need to know is that you cannot separate wisdom from God. Let me say, where there is wisdom there is God and where God is, there is wisdom. Proverbs 3:19 says, “The Lord by wisdom founded the earth, by understanding he established the heavens; by his knowledge the deeps broke forth and the clouds drop down the dew.” The whole earth with its beauty, mystery, vastness and wonder was created by God in his wisdom. How awesome?! Truly, we all need wisdom.

              If you think you know it all, then you will not be open to letting God direct you. People who are able to receive wisdom, guidance and direction from God are humble and have teachable spirits. We find when we walk with Jesus Christ in this life and ask Him for things in prayer that He will often do things in ways different from how we think they should be done.

              I urge you this day to ask God for wisdom. No matter what your academic result sheets say, no matter what your colleagues think of you, God wants the best for you and He says, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and go and pray to me, and I will listen to you.”- Jeremiah 29:11-12. You have the Spirit of God in you; that same Spirit was in Daniel and his three friends. The Bible says, “As for these four young men, God gave them knowledge and skill in all literature and wisdom; and Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams.” DANIEL 1:17 and also in DANIEL1:20, “And in all matters of wisdom and understanding about which the King examined them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers who were in all his realm.” WAOOH!! Can you imagine that? The Spirit of God was in Jesus Christ. The Bible says, “And Jesus increased in wisdom and statue, and in favour with God and men.” LUKE 2:52. Seriously, do you need more citations?

            All these are in store for you but do not forget…… “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to FEAR the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways and to LOVE Him, to SERVE the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.” DEUTERONOMY 10:12.

SHALOM.