Wisdom In Service

by G. Jarvie. | Category: Training For Service | Nov 1960

The servant of Christ must be wise, for only thus will he be able to win souls, and to save the lives of disciples (Proverbs 11.30). "Look ye out ...." said the apostles to the disciples in Acts 6.2-5, "men of good report, full of the Spirit and of wisdom." So we see that wisdom is essential in the service of Christ. We remember that it is written of the Lord Jesus, that lie "advanced in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and men" (Luke 2.52). Let us also seek to grow in wisdom.

Wisdom is not knowledge, nor is it intelligence, for some highly intelligent men are fools in God's sight. Then also must we remember that the wisdom of this world is counted as foolishness with God (1 Corinthians 3. 18-21). True wisdom is that which comes down from above. It is described in James 3.17, as "first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without variance (impartial), and without hypocrisy (unfeigned)." This wisdom, the servant of Christ must seek, because he is engaged in a service which is too high for mere human wisdom or intelligence.

It is not an easy lesson to learn, nor is it a pleasant one to accept, that our knowledge and our intelligence are not sufficient with God. But it must he learned and it must be accepted if we are to gain the true wisdom. We must read carefully what Paul says in 1 Corinthians 1. 18-31, and in Philippians 3.8-14. Think much about these scriptures, and you will realize what God thinks about man's wisdom. Then we remember the remarkable scripture in Isaiah

55.9.

"For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts."

We must remember this when we hear men talking about evolution and such things that we know are false. It is human wisdom that is foolishness with God. We must read carefully Isaiah 40.12-31. This scripture shows how small and insignificant men really are in God's sight.

When Solomon came to the throne he realized his need of wisdom, and when God appeared to him and asked him what he desired most of all, he replied, "Give Thy servant therefore an understanding (a hearing) heart" (1 Kings 3.5-13). In answer to this prayer, God gave him "wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore

(1 Kings 4.29-34). He received such a degree of wisdom because he asked for it.

We must remember that wisdom and humility are very close friends. "With the lowly is wisdom," we read in Proverbs 11.2. The book of Proverbs will be very helpful to you on this subject, and you should read it carefully.

In Proverbs 8 we see the great value of wisdom. It is better than rubies (verse 11). The fruit (or effect, of it) is better than gold (verse 19). Whosoever finds it, finds 4ife, and obtains favour from the LORD (verse 35). Those who sin against wisdom wrong their own souls (verse 36). Among men, true wisdom is only found in Christ, of whom this chapter speaks.

In Daniel 12.8 we read, "They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever." Wisdom is of eternal value, and the servant of Christ should seek it earnestly in prayer. All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Christ, and the believer is made full in Him (Colossians 2.1-5).

Wisdom will be granted to us if we ask for it. Oh, the marvel of it! "If any of you lacketh wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all liberally and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing doubting "(James 1.5-8). This is one of the promises of God which all His servants should lay hold upon and accept. Like all the promises of God, it becomes ours by faith. We must accept by faith the promises of God as we find them. This is important in our service.

G. Jarvie. | Nov 1960
Training For Service