Christ In Every Moment

Christ in Every Moment: Seeking Wisdom and Understanding

In our journey of faith, we often find ourselves praying for many things - health, finances, relationships, and more. But how often do we pray for wisdom and understanding? These are perhaps the most valuable gifts we can receive from God, yet they're often overlooked in our petitions.

The book of Colossians offers profound insights into this matter. In chapter 1, verses 9-14, we find a powerful prayer that should shape our own spiritual aspirations:

"We have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God."

This passage reveals a crucial truth: true knowledge, wisdom, and understanding come from God alone. They are not merely intellectual pursuits, but spiritual gifts that transform our lives and enable us to live in a way that honors Christ.

But why are these gifts so important? Because they allow us to "walk in a manner worthy of the Lord." In other words, they help us align our lives with God's will and purpose. When we possess spiritual wisdom and understanding, our behavior matches the gospel we profess. We become living testimonies to the transformative power of Christ.

Moreover, this wisdom leads to fruitfulness in our lives. We bear fruit in every good work, increasing in our knowledge of God. It's a beautiful cycle - as we gain wisdom, we grow closer to God, which in turn leads to more wisdom and understanding.

But how do we obtain this wisdom? James 1:5-8 provides the answer:

"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind."

The key is to ask God in faith, without doubting. We must approach our Heavenly Father with the confidence of a child, knowing that He delights in giving good gifts to His children. Unlike earthly parents who might reproach their children for asking too much, our God gives generously and without finding fault.

However, it's crucial to note that this wisdom is not the same as worldly knowledge or intellect. The wisdom from above is characterized by peace, humility, and a desire to glorify God and benefit others. It's not about impressing others with our knowledge, but about living a life that reflects Christ in every moment.

This brings us to an important point: the purpose of gaining wisdom and understanding is not for our own glory, but for God's. When we pray for these gifts, our motivation should be to honor God and serve others better. It's about becoming more like Christ, not about elevating ourselves.

Consider the example of Solomon. When God offered him anything he desired, Solomon asked for wisdom to lead God's people. God was so pleased with this request that He granted Solomon wisdom beyond measure, along with riches and honor. This story illustrates the value God places on wisdom and the blessings that flow from seeking it.

As we pursue wisdom and understanding, we must also remember that it's a journey of growth and maturity. James 1:2-4 reminds us:

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

Our trials and challenges are opportunities for growth. They test our faith and produce endurance. As we persevere through difficulties with God's wisdom, we mature in our faith and become more complete in Christ.

This process of growth and maturity is not always easy. It requires humility, patience, and a willingness to learn. We must be ready to set aside our own ideas and preconceptions to embrace God's wisdom. It means acknowledging that we don't have all the answers and that we need God's guidance in every aspect of our lives.

Moreover, true wisdom is not just about knowing the right things, but about living them out. It's about applying God's truth to our daily lives, making decisions that honor Him, and treating others with love and compassion. It's about walking in a manner worthy of the gospel, even when it's difficult or unpopular.

As we seek wisdom and understanding, we must also be mindful of the dangers of pride and self-reliance. The world often tells us to focus on ourselves, to pursue success and achievement at all costs. But God's wisdom calls us to a different path - one of humility, service, and dependence on Him.

In conclusion, let us make it our daily prayer to ask God for wisdom and understanding. Let's approach Him with faith and confidence, knowing that He delights in granting these gifts to His children. And as we receive His wisdom, let's use it to live lives that honor Him, serve others, and reflect Christ in every moment.

Remember, the goal is not to accumulate knowledge for its own sake, but to grow in our relationship with God and to become more effective in His service. As we do this, we'll find ourselves walking in a manner truly worthy of the Lord, pleasing Him in all respects, and bearing fruit in every good work.

May we all grow in wisdom and understanding, and may our lives be a testament to the transformative power of Christ in every moment.