Growth and Maturity · Principles of Excellence · Wisdom and Character · Christian Life
Some principles for excellence? Wisdom?
4 min read, approximately
“Ye know [this], my beloved brethren. But let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:” (James 1:19)
Why do human beings have 2 ears and only one mouth?
Did you know that a fetus’s brain can already remember the sound of its mother’s words at just six months of gestation?
That is right! We are beings created by God to learn continually, whom the Lord equipped with:
- A body to perceive, experience, and learn about our surroundings through the senses.
“For thou didst form my inward parts: Thou didst cover me in my mother’s womb.” (Psalms 139:13)
- A spirit
“For who among men knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of the man, which is in him? even so the things of God none knoweth, save the Spirit of God. But we received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is from God; that we might know the things that were freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Spirit teacheth; combining spiritual things with spiritual [words]. Now the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him; and he cannot know them, because they are spiritually judged.” (1 Corinthians 2:11-14)
Forgetful?
“The way of a fool is right in his own eyes; But he that is wise hearkeneth unto counsel.” (Proverbs 12:15)
Sadly, we tend to think we know everything, understand everything, and need no correction, advice, or teaching from anyone.
“The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of knowledge; [But] the foolish despise wisdom and instruction.”(Proverbs 1:7)
“Let no man deceive himself. If any man thinketh that he is wise among you in this world, let him become a fool, that he may become wise.” (1 Corinthians 3:18)
Most of the time, God will use whatever he considers necessary to teach us:
“being confident of this very thing, that he who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ:” (Philippians 1:6)
The King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the supremely Wise One, will give us principles:
“that the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:17)
How do we receive these principles?
We can receive these principles for excellence if you and I are willing to:
\1. Receive discipline
“For they indeed for a few days chastened [us] as seemed good to them; but he for [our] profit, that [we] may be partakers of his holiness. All chastening seemeth for the present to be not joyous but grievous; yet afterward it yieldeth peaceable fruit unto them that have been exercised thereby, [even the fruit] of righteousness.” (Hebrews 12:10-11)
\2. Receive instruction
“Hear counsel, and receive instruction, That thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.” (Proverbs 19:20)
\3. Receive the guidance of the Holy Spirit
“If we live by the Spirit, by the Spirit let us also walk. Let us not become vainglorious, provoking one another, envying one another.” (Galatians 5:25-26)
\4. Receive God’s Word and apply it
“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deluding your own selves.” (James 1:22)
\5. Listen and be slow to speak
“Ye know [this], my beloved brethren. But let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:” (James 1:19)
And only then:
“…The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and of good reputation; if there is any virtue or anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you learned, received, heard, and saw in me, put into practice, and the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:7-9)
Let us remember these 2 things…
“Be not wise in thine own eyes; Fear Jehovah, and depart from evil: It will be health to thy navel, And marrow to thy bones.” (Proverbs 3:7-8)
“whatsoever ye do, work heartily, as unto the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that from the Lord ye shall receive the recompense of the inheritance: ye serve the Lord Christ.” (Colossians 3:23-24)
Some principles for excellence?
May God continue to bless you
and may you continue to have an excellent day in Christ Jesus!
I invite you to stop by the Songbook