Just Believe — Wisdom
Wisdom is often mistaken as only knowledge, yet it encompasses more than mental ability and academic cleverness. It extends to practical skills and applied knowledge, involving the development of life within the realm of faith. At the core of achieving wisdom lies a profound reverence and awe for God, referred to as “The fear of the Lord.” This sentiment is not one of terror but rather a deep understanding of our place in the universe. It is this type of wisdom and faith that Jesus proposed when he beckoned, “Follow Me (Matthew 4:17),” and urged, “Just Believe (Mark 5:36).”
In the Christian faith, Jesus encourages us to take heed to wisdom and nurture our faith, emphasizing the importance of living in accordance with His teachings. This leads to a life filled with virtue, integrity, and generosity, paving the path to success and peace. Therefore, every Christian should strive to cultivate wisdom and embrace the fear of the Lord as their paramount objective in life. Such a mindset molds the consciousness of Christ, fueled by a fervent passion for life. Any alternative pursuit falls short of the mark of Jesus — true wisdom (Romans 3:23).
Many profess to be Christians, yet upon closer scrutiny, it becomes apparent that they lack the wisdom and reverence for the Lord that defines faithful followers. For these individuals, Jesus is merely a symbolic figure, not their literal Lord and Savior. Regrettably, this discrepancy can give rise to significant challenges in the human experience, harmfully impacting God’s reality here on earth. Therefore, exercising caution is imperative, for even those who identify as Christians may not truly embody the faith. Jesus cautioned, “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers (Matthew 7:23)!” It is time to heed wisdom and nurture faith through Jesus (John 14:6).
The Bible teaches that “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10). To attain this faith, one must transition from foolishness to God’s wisdom, a process known as “repentance.” This entails aligning one’s thoughts and lifestyle with divine wisdom, a conscious shift to embrace God as the supreme being who governs all. God infuses the soul in this moment, and one learns to follow Jesus, the Good Shepherd. As Christians, it is imperative to internalize the teachings of Jesus to lead a life that aligns with the values, virtues, and victories intended by God. Remember, Jesus is called the Good Shepherd for a reason — to guide us away from our wayward ways and towards a better life, regardless of circumstances, situations, or individuals involved.
Divine Wisdom is the Breath of God (Ruach-Elohim). When individuals heed and apply it to their faith, their human experience transforms, aligning with God’s reality, as exemplified by Jesus during his earthly ministry. At this agreement, individuals arise through Jesus to redeem God’s Kingdom in the present. Let us keep wisdom, cultivate the fear of the LORD, and make it our ultimate goal, all because through Jesus, we “Just Believe!”
With steadfast faith,
Drake Hunter is the Senior Pastor at Elevating Life Church in Fort Morgan and the author of “Wonderfully Weird Living.”