This post was written by Chris Symons of CW Symons – Change Management Executive. To connect with Chris, visit https://www.cwsymons.com.
When one thinks of knowledge, one’s mind gravitates to the world of academics. The world often refers to academia as the starting point upon which life is enriched. There is value in learning; however, this post is not about the acquisition of worldly knowledge.
As Christians, we build our life on belief in a risen Savior. Proverbs 1:7 tells us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge but fools despise this wisdom and instruction. For the believer, we accept the knowledge given to us from God, unlike unbelievers who would be considered fools in the afore-mentioned Scripture. Additionally, Proverbs 9:10 tells us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. The second part of that verse tells us that knowledge of the Holy One is understanding (CSB). Let’s explore the second part of that Scripture reference and what it means for Christ-followers.
Establishing Christ Knowledge
The world teaches us that our success is determined by our knowledge, indeed our understanding of the world. They reinforce that the more education we have the better are our odds of being successful, acknowledged, and esteemed. But Mark 8:36 and Luke 9:25 challenge us to consider that it is of little value to gain the whole world and yet risk losing our very soul. The answer to this paradigm is made clear in Proverbs 3:5–6: that we are not to lean on our own understanding but to submit to him. Proverbs 3:7 follows up and warns us not to be wise in our own eyes. This would mean having knowledge that the world appreciates and seeking worldly recognition. For Christians, we lean on our knowledge of God, albeit limited, and trust his wisdom. We realize that we know enough to know that we don’t know enough.
Using Our Christ Knowledge to Serve Others
In the first article in this series, we discussed the need for awareness of those around us. The second article discussed cultivating our desire to serve them. So, how do we best serve with our new found awareness and desire to serve? We need to constantly understand that although we may want to solve the world’s problems, one Christ-led encounter at a time, we indeed have limits to our knowledge. The only true requirement for a believer is that we be obedient to his instruction. We need only pick up our Bible and begin to read about God’s work in this world, his Son’s birth, death, and resurrection, and what great rewards we can expect at the second coming.
As the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2, NASB 1995), we need to fix our eyes on him, seek his righteousness, and know that our needs will be met (Matthew 6:33). This includes knowing what to do and when to do it. When we keep our eyes on Jesus, he translates our knowledge of him into understanding of what the needs of our brethren are. We can trust his wisdom to know that he will give us knowledge of our brother’s or sister’s situation and will provide wisdom for how to win them to Christ.
Recognizing That We Are a Work in Progress
We discussed recognizing that we don’t know everything. God, who began this good work in us, will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus (Philippians 1:6). As he gives us more Christ knowledge, we are established in confidence in him to serve others. Our obedience to do this is in both action (Romans 16:25–27) and thought (2 Corinthians 10:5). The only remaining question is this: Where are we on the journey? This journey is not just about the acquisition of knowledge, but it is about the journey from the head (knowledge) to the heart (love) — a mere eighteen inches. Such love drives the desire to see to the least of these in Jesus’s name.
Featured photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels; in-text photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels
Follower of One Has a Marketplace Mission Trip Workbook
Follower of One’s founder and lead instigator, Mike Henry, Sr., has penned a book!
The Marketplace Mission Trip book is a six-week workbook intended to show others how to be a missionary on their job.
Like any mission trip, you shouldn’t take the marketplace mission trip on your own. This workbook is designed for group presentation.
Share with your coworkers, small group, or church and feel ready to make a difference in the lives of others with the key ideas discussed in the Marketplace Mission Trip workbook.
