Another Day

The book of proverbs is truly a treasure trove for Christian believers who really desire to mature up in their spiritual development. Personally, I would encourage all believers everywhere (including those who think themselves mature and old in the faith) to read and re-read this book.

This book does not only outline what Godly wisdom is, but sets it apart from the worldly convention of wisdom. Reading the book, the reader will be able to distinguish the difference and to even cultivate positive steps of acquiring and growing godly wisdom that accords to His Will.

Personally, I am much edified by the promises that are scattered throughout the book. For example; Proverbs 1:4-5 speaks of the work of this book to give prudence to the simple and knowledge and discretion to the young man. In our age where the simple minded are looked down upon, this surely is a head turner, as it promises that the ways of the simple will be tempered with caution (something that the world thinks the simple are incapable of). This is more useful for the young man who struggles with his emotions and feelings and new found responsibility that they have to shoulder; God’s Word gives him understanding of even the horrible, painful issues of life and more importantly, give him a sound decision making faculty that is corrupted in the world. Look at the young man of today and you will see that he is stricken with relativism, uncertainty and inconsistency. All these manifest themselves in this period of ‘rebelliousness’ that people (the general people) believe is merely a phase of life.

The book gives practical advices also that helps steer the believer into right pastures; Proverbs 4:14-15 – “Do not enter the path of the wicked, and do not walk in the way of evil. Avoid it, do not travel on it, turn away from it and pass on.” I can say that this is absolutely sound advice and caution for those who are tempted to walk down the path of unwholesomeness, and think that the experience that comes from it will somehow help the believer in the future. That is definitely untrue for all experiences leave a residue on our soul, mind and heart which will affect our decision making in the future. What ought we to do then? “Just turn away and pass on”. Ignore it by turning away and passing it on (do not look at it). In a world where everyone wants to taste every wine there is to be tasted… this is a radical call.

God’s Word will always be radical for it challenges our very nature and heart fabric. It is useless to shout that Christians are radical but there is no true radicalness to be seen. There is nothing radical by jumping up and down in a worship, doing many things like preaching to hundreds of people and bringing people in the busloads to church. It is nothing different than the many other organisations in this world. But where is the radical lifestyle that shocks families for their integrity, truth and commitment to a Holy & Merciful God? Are we more than these?

Let us be radical, but only in the Wisdom and truth of God’s Word.

More about John Calvin at Calvin 500

There were only 10 questions, and I got 9/10 right. I think I messed up for the question concerning the contents for the revision of church worship done by Calvin. Anyway… test your knowledge of Calvin from the link above

There are many things that the world offers to its inhabitants, none more powerful than distractions for the things eternal. It is sad that we are so easily taken up by what this world offers without even blinking or hesitating. The world is temporary, although it will last a few more generations (perhaps?), it cannot be compared with the eternity that the soul faces upon release from this physical body that we are wearing.

Distractions are everywhere; it has been the basis for the development of sales & marketing within the business industry. Capturing and holding a person’s attention is worth very, very much in our increasingly aggressive economy. It is also worth very much to the evil one who seeks to drag people down with him to the destiny that awaits him.

Studying God’s Word in 1st Peter chapter 1 has opened up my eyes on the consistent need to avoid distractions of this world, and to concentrate on the kingdom to come. It is humbling to do so, for it forces believers to put aside the things that we ‘feel’ are more important (the things of this world). It strips us from our comfort and security and instead casts us into the arms of our eternal Father who alone, rules all things and calls all to account in that last Day of Judgment. That is a reality that is to come, and if we begin to doubt the gravity of God’s concern on us, we will be walking down the wrong pathway and will be unprepared when eternal issues crop up.

This is not an article written to teach, but a reminder for myself to be ‘ready’. Always be vigilant. Be sober. For truly, the enemy is roaring like a lion ready to pounce on its prey when they least expect it. The end result is to be devoured by that lion. What must we do them? Not only to get rid of distractions (for ultimately, that is an impossibility in this fallen world) but to fix our eyes on our Redeemer, who is Christ. To fill our minds with things above, so that the things of this world will be put into its proper context (of God’s universe). Does not negate our worldly responsibilities? Of course not, it is never a basis for us to ignore our responsibilities, but to ensure that all things are done unto and for God’s glory.

Those who fix their eyes to heaven will ensure that their dealings on earth will firmly reflect the image of God, whom they owe everything to.