His Word is a Lamp: Proverbs

Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck;
write them on the tablet of your heart.
Proverbs 3:3 

Do y’all recall my asking on Sunday, “What do you want folks to say about you at your funeral?” Yes, I know, it’s become a bit overdone to ask that. But, if we live our lives based on God’s wisdom, we will be the kind of people who make an impact on those around us. Tim Keller was a good example of living by godly wisdom. He was a pastor in New York City who passed away a couple of weeks ago and he left a very impactful Christian legacy. Tim was known to be very intelligent and gracious, a well-read and wise person. When a person has eulogies that are published in non-Christian publications, you know that brother was living out the faith well! 

Tim’s life reminds me of what James says, ‘Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom (3:13).” It’s the fruit of our lives that shows what we’re really made of. Our reactions, how we handle hard things, and how we acknowledge God while trusting Him for each step of our walk with Him point to what we’ve built our lives upon. Tim Keller would say, “Do you study the Scriptures? More importantly, do you let the Scriptures study you?” I think that we need to allow this passage from James to read us. “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere (James 3:16-17).” Allowing this passage to “read” us will enable us to discern God’s wisdom in the midst of the noise of our lives. 

Are our lives marked by selfish ambition or by the peace, gentleness, sincerity, etc. of the Lord? And, as we live this out (remember, wisdom is very practical and for everyday life), our lives will point to Jesus, who is our wisdom from God
(1 Cor. 1:30). 

O Lord, fill us with Your wisdom!

Blessings on the journey,

Pastor Andy 

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