My thoughts are recently being drawn toward the concept of faith and how it relates to wisdom. My heart is torn when I see situations that presumably took "great faith" and yet ended in what looks like a disaster!
I sense the Lord is speaking loudly about wisdom being a necessary component to acting in mature FAITH.
When we step out for something, don’t our steps need to be balanced and supported in a firm foundation? Are extreme radical choices always a sign of radical faith? Or could they sometimes be impatience, a lack of planning, a misinterpreted word, or just plain irresponsible?
I guess my point is, I’m not sure it’s mature faith that makes radical choices without concern or planning for the long term. A wise man plans for the provision of his family, has the money to pay his debts, steps out in faith with wisdom. He doesn't recklessly jump off the cliff and expect God to pick up his pieces.
Surely the argument can be made that taking BIG RISKS reveals BIG FAITH, but I believe we need to take the scriptures as a whole.
To me, being led by the SPIRIT will align with walking in WISDOM. I do not believe the Lord calls us into debt, or poverty, or danger. These things do not reflect the Lord's love for us. He does not call us into these bad situations.
Of course we need to TRUST HIM and go where HE says go, but these decisions need to be balanced in wisdom. Not our wisdom, but GOD's wisdom. The wisdom outlined in His Word. There is an entire book of scripture dedicated to the topic. It's PROVERBS. If we will submit ourselves to God's ways and DO WHAT IS NECESSARY, I believe we will be greatly blessed as we step out in faith and walk in the wisdom of the Lord.
This is not say that we are always spared difficult circumstances. Of course we will walk through hard times. Our faith will be tested. But the difference in my mind is that in the end, if we are humble and teachable, we will come out on top. We will be blessed. This is contray to some of my own reckless "faith" decisions, where I've ended up being disciplined and receiving a very basic bail out - not a blessing - but a simple survival plan. Both situations are difficult, but the later was avoidable.
I believe God has ABUNDANCE for his children and He releases that abundance when we get in line with His WILL and His WAYS. But, His ways are not our ways. His ways are perfect, perfect in wisdom and truth.
As I was pondering this correlation between faith and wisdom and how it relates to DEBT, I posted this as my status on Facebook…
"seeing a need for a greater revelation of faith and it's dependence on wisdom. Faith for things that are outside God's plan are not acts of faith. They are at best wishful thinking and at worst cries for mercy. A life of faith involves wisdom, revelation, and obedience, not careless acts with hope that God will bail you out. I think lots of folks get God confused with Santa Clause?"
I also wonder if some of our impulsive choices are not a response in us to be seen as super-spiritual. I am really bothered by the “highly-spiritual” stamp of approval that seems to be placed on certain life choices… like being a missionary, a pastor, or worship leader.
I’m not saying that these are not wonderful vocations or callings, but I am saying that they can be elevated to looking more spiritual that others, and I believe that is not the case. We are all fulfilling our callings in Christ as we walk in every area of life - business, education, medicine, church ministry, singleness, small family, large family, adoptive family, missionary etc. Each are equal in the Lord's eyes. It's hearing His voice and obeying that's important - not looking religious!
I wonder if sometimes we make these choices out of a desire to perform for God – to please Him with our choices? I know we can only BE who He created us to be. That is what pleases Him. We don’t need to perform.
When I couple this concept with the fact that making these choices without the proper planning – without following the wisdom of the Lord - can result in emergency situations where there is a lack of provision, I question the motivation. I know God's heart is to bless us.
Of course the Lord will provide. But again, is making ends meet His ultimate desire for us? I think not. I believe HE has abundance for us, but it requires walking in His ways – walking in wisdom & revelation and OBEYing Him.
I believe oftentimes we put ourselves in these very difficult situations. I know I have! However, I also believe the LORD always makes a way. He loves us. But, are all of our struggles His desire, His plan? I think not.
Maybe I am overstating somethings. Sometimes when revelation comes, it’s extreme until it settles. But I know God will use ALL things for GOOD for those who love Him and keep His commands.
I think it's worth a ponder though... are we really walking in FAITH or are we simply too impulsive and impatient to really do things God's way? Maybe planning and exercising patience and self-control require great faith? I think they do!
