Acting With Knowledge

No, this is not about movie stars. This devotional is about behavior. On second thought, it could very well relate to movie stars and their behavior. Nevertheless, most times that I’ve put myself in the proverbial pickle, it has been a result of my acting hastily and not thinking through things. There is great wisdom in taking time to make a decision, especially when time is on your side.

I have done many a foolish thing, and because of my reckless behavior the costs have been high. I praise God that I no longer live that life (at least for the most part), but I have to constantly remind myself that I am capable of foolish acts if I’m not allowing Scripture’s light to guide my way. King Solomon teaches us:

    “Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool lays open his folly.” (Proverbs 13:16)

My behavior always bares my belief. I can say that I believe one thing, but my actions display what I truly know and believe. Man’s wisdom leads a man to a life that is at best average. The fulfilling life our heart desires is found only in Christ:

    “I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:9-10)

Acting without knowledge is costly. Hasty actions cost us time, money, family, and friends, always leading to hardship. We act without knowing all the while thinking we know how to act. King Solomon also had something to say about that:

    “The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, but those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.” (Proverbs 21:5)

This could easily turn into prosperity gospel teaching, but I promise you that is not where we are headed. In any endeavor, the wise man seeks knowledge on the subject in which he is about to embark. If I wanted to go to Winnemucca, Nevada, I could get in my car and head down Interstate 10 West and figure out my way to Nevada, but if I want to make the best of my trip, I’m going to refer to a map.

It is to my benefit to seek expert advice on how to accomplish a task. That explains the great success of the many home improvement and do-it-yourself shows and videos. People are looking for the best and affordable way to get the job done.

Would to God that we would do the same when it comes to living our lives. If we would seek the owner’s manual to life, we would see that God has left us clear instructions on how to live life to its fullest. Too many of us believe we can do it on our own:

    “A fool despises his father’s instruction, but he who receives correction is prudent.” (Proverbs 15:5)

You look at the condition of our nation, and most intellectually honest people can point to poor decision making on the part of our leaders. They defer to overpaid political consultants instead of consulting Scripture. Most of our leaders claim to be Christian and they lead in a humanistic manner. If you dare suggest they allow the Bible to guide their actions, they either shudder in fear or scoff you.

    “Do you see a man hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” (Proverbs 29:20)

Dear Lord Jesus, I ask that you guide my thoughts, my actions, and my words so that I may know your good and acceptable and perfect will. Lord, let my actions be with Your knowledge, so that all I do glorifies You and points people to You. Keep me from taking hasty actions or speaking harsh words. Let all I do be pleasing unto You. I ask this in Your holy name. Amen.

In Christ
Dave
Ps. 37:4

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    Copyright © 2014 David Jeffers

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