In Psalm 111:10, the Psalmist declared: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who practice it have a good understanding.” Until we understand who God is and develop a reverential fear of Him, we cannot have true wisdom. True wisdom starts with a deep, respectful awe for God, and not just an intellectual understanding. It involves admiring and esteeming God’s majesty and power. It understands His authority, hates evil, and submits to His will. A foundational appreciation and admiration for God provides a framework for making good decisions and discerning right from wrong, Without the fear of God, human understanding is flawed, and wisdom is impossible.
The fear of the Lord can be defined as the continual awareness that our loving heavenly Father is watching and evaluating everything we think, say, and do. (Matt, 12:36; Ps. 139:2) “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge.” (Prov. 1:7; 9:10; 14:27; 15:33). It is the basis for walking in His ways, serving Him and loving Him. This verse teaches that the fear of God is foundational to true wisdom, and that true wisdom comes only from understanding who God is. This includes knowing that He is holy, just, and righteous. (Deut. 10:12, 20,21. Some redefine the fear of God to respecting and standing in awe of Him. While respect and awe are definitely included, there is more to it than that. A biblical fear of God understands that God hates sin and fears His judgment of sin, even in the life of a believer. (Heb. 12:5-11).
In Hosea 14:9, the prophet wrote:
Whoever is wise, let him understand these things. Whoever is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right, And the righteous will walk in them, But transgressors will stumble in them.
Hosea’s challenge was that whoever was wise and prudent in Israel in his day would understand that what he was preaching and teaching was true and right. (cf. Deut. 4:3-9). Jehovah’s ways alone are correct, true and right. Those who are righteous and just will walk in them. (Rom. 1:16, 17; 3:21-26)
Prudence means to act according to intelligence, squaring conduct with conviction. One who is wise will comprehend the relationship between Israel’s iniquity and God’s punishment. He will also recognize the mercy and kindness of God in His promise of restoration. God has responded to the sins of his people with mercy and grace. There is an element of discipline in God’s punishment that does not extinguish hope.
We may summarize Hosea’s teachings and make them applicable for today:
(1) Sin separates from God, and blinds us, so that we lose sight of Him;
(2) Idolatry follows inevitably when we fail to see the God who is there.
(3) God is holy and his love is freely given and eternal. But God’s love is never divorced from moral requirement on our part. It is never enough to simply say we believe that Jesus is the Lord. We must demonstrate this belief by doing what God says is right and true. (Matt. 7:21-23) God’s ways are straight and true, and we walk, or fall, according to our relationship with them. A truly wise person understands what has been written and illustrates it by a righteous and godly life. (Matt. 7:24-27)
Some ignored Hosea. They stumbled at what God said…and fell into judgment. Those who rebelled against God were disobedient to his Word and sinned in many different ways. They stumbled at God Himself, at his All-Holy Being, his attributes, his providence, his interference with them, and his requirements. They rebelled against his commandments, which required what they did not like and forbid what they did. They stumbled at his wisdom, and denied God’s right to order His creation according to His own holiness and to punishing sin. Most of all, though, they stumbled at his goodness and disdain for their rebellion and disobedience.
Every attribute, or gift, or revelation of God, which is full of comfort to the believer, is in turn, a potential occasion for stumbling to the rebellious.
This idea is rooted in prophecies from the Old Testament, such as Isaiah 8:14, where the Lord declares He will be a “stone of stumbling and a rock of falling” to the houses of Israel. The Apostle Peter quotes and applies this prophecy to Jesus in 1 Peter 2:8. referring to Christ as a source of stumbling and judgment for those who reject him or his teachings. It highlights the fact that embracing him leads to salvation and rejection leads to ruin. (Matt. 7:13, 14) For true believers, Jesus is the “cornerstone” and the “rock of salvation” upon which they build their lives. For those who are disobedient or reject him, Jesus is a “stumbling stone,” upon whom they fall and are “broken to pieces”.
With this verse, the prophet sums up all the teaching of the seventy years of his ministry. It encapsulates what he has proclaimed about the severity and mercy of God, and about the Coming of Christ, and our resurrection in Him. Today, we are living in a fuller light than Hosea had. We see God as Hosea never saw Him. We see Him in Jesus Christ. We know, as never before, that He cannot compromise with sin. And in order to rescue us from sin, he has supplied the only sacrifice capable of saving us…His own Son. This is what makes our choice so critical and final. It leads either to eternal life or eternal death. Deuteronomy 30:19, states, “I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore, choose life, so that you and your descendants may live”. (cf. Josh. 24:14, 15) This verse, a command from God through Moses, presents a stark choice between obedience (life) and disobedience (death), urging listeners to choose the path that leads to blessing and prosperity.
Manitoulin Island
July 1 is Canada Day, a day to reflect on what it means to be a Canadian, to share what makes us proud, and to celebrate our citizenship.. We reflect this pride is in numerous and various ways. Canada Day highlights the richness of our land, our diversity, our culture, and our contributions. Above all, it celebrates our people.
Citizenship is a legal status and relationship between an individual and a state. Although often used interchangeably, nationality and citizenship have distinct meanings. Nationality relates to the place one is born and is determined by birth or parentage. Citizenship is a legal status granted to a person by the government of a state conferring specific rights, privileges, and freedoms on an individual after he or she has fulfilled the legal formalities. It also entitles one to the protection afforded by the state. In return, the individual pledges loyalty, allegiance, and support for the state and its government while making a commitment to comply with its laws. One also obliges oneself to meet all the required responsibilities and obligations of citizenship, even those that are unpopular. (Rom. 13:6, 7; 1 Pet. 2:17) The only exception to this would be if a human law contradicted a command of God.
The latter verse, often cited in discussions about Christian citizenship and submission to authority, emphasizes the importance of respecting those in positions of power, even if they are not personally admirable. While God may not necessarily approve of all actions taken by earthly rulers nor with all the laws they establish, rulers are in power by divine right and for reasons best known and understood by God. God is the ultimate ruler of human kingdoms, and He gives them to whoever He chooses. (Dan. 4:17, 34-37; cf. 2:19-21; Is. 44:28; 45:1-13; Jer. 43:10-13)
“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities,” writes Paul, “for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment upon themselves.” (Rom. 13:1, 2; see also vss. 3-5)
God is at work in every situation and experience in life, for the good of those who love Him and are called according to his purpose. (Rom. 8:28; cf. Gen. 50:15-21) He does not necessarily ordain everything that happens. To do so would remove human choice and free will. However, He can and will bring good out of everything.
One important consideration is dual citizenship. This occurs when a person is legally recognized as a citizen of two or more countries simultaneously. People in this situation have rights and, also, obligations and responsibilities to all countries of which they are citizens. Christians are dual citizens. We are citizens of the country in which we live, and we are citizens of God’s heavenly kingdom. Though Christians reside on Earth, our true and ultimate home is in heaven with God.
There are two great communities in the universe, that of the world, and that of heaven. The one is governed by worldly laws and institutions, and the other by the laws of heaven. One is instituted to accomplish worldly purposes, and the other for heavenly or religious purposes.
While living here on earth we are displaced people, i.e., foreigners, exiles, and strangers, fully involved in, but not belonging to this world. (Jn. 15:8, 9; 17:13–16; 1 Pet. 1:17; 2:11) The present realm is not intended to be our permanent home. (Jn. 14:1-4; 1 Pet. 2:9-12) We are resident aliens. While here, we should be homesick for our heavenly home. (2 Cor. 4:16-5:10; cf. Phil. 1:21-26) Primarily, we are citizens of heaven. Our true home lies where Christ is. (Col. 3:1; Heb. 12:2)
Christians have certain rights, duties, and responsibilities, and are governed by the laws of heaven. This understanding shapes our perspective and priorities and encourages us to live in a way that reflects our heavenly citizenship. (Eph. 3:20, 21 cf. Heb. 11:1-16) We are to live “worthy lives, i.e., lives that are patterned after and appropriate to the standards and goals of heaven. (Eph. 4:1; Phil. 1:27; Col. 1:10; 1 Thess. 2:12) We owe allegiance to God, and in turn, are entitled to his protection. We are a community associated as citizens of heaven and we expect and long to dwell there. Like Paul, our desire should be to leave this life and go home to be with God. (Phil. 1:20-26) However, God may have other things in mind.
Relatively speaking, life is short and uncertain, prompting reflection on how we spend our time and encouraging a focus on what truly matters in the face of mortality. We live in physical bodies, but anticipate the bright future in our eternal home. While here, we share Abraham’s experience, living “like a stranger in a foreign country. . . looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God” (Hebrews 11:9–10).
In light of this reality, Paul urges: “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” (Eph. 5:15-17; cf. Col. 4:4, 5) Our eternal destiny and final home is determined by the way we live here on earth. (Rom. 14:10-12; 2 Cor. 1:6-10; cf. Jn. 5:22-29) Like the psalmist, our prayer should be: “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Ps. 90:12)
When we become Christians God adopts us into his family. (Gal. 4:4, 5)which means that we become citizens of his eternal kingdom where our Father is the King. Our focus turns toward eternal things and storing up treasure in heaven. (Matthew 6:19–20). We become “new creatures” (2 Corinthians 5:17; cf. Rom. 6:4). God sends His Holy Spirit to live in us, and our bodies become His temple. (1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19–20). The Holy Spirit begins to transform our sinful, worldly desires into those that glorify God (Romans 12:1–2). His goal is to make us as much like Jesus as possible. (Rom. 8:29). We are ambassadors to this earth until our Father sends for us and we go home. (2 Cor. 5:20; Ephesians 2:18–19; 6:20). We are given the power and privilege of exiting the world’s flawed value system and living for eternity (1 John 2:15–17).
Paul encouraged his readers to live godly lives by following his example and observing those who lived as he did. By comparison, many lived as enemies of the cross. Such people gloried in their shameful ways, and their destiny was to be destroyed. The motivation behind this ungodly lifestyle is that they have their desires and affections fixed on earthly things and the works of the flesh. (Phil. 3:17-19; 1 Jn. 2:15-17a; cf. Gal. 5:19-21)
On the other hand, there is a way of life that leads to eternal life. (1 Jn. 2:17b) This is a life that is directed and empowered by the Holy Spirit and produces godly fruit. (Gal. 5:16, 22-26). One who lives like this is focused on God and his ways. (Col. 3:1-4). He or she is a citizen of heaven in contradistinction from a worldly community. (Phil. 3:20) Though living on earth, we belong to a heavenly commonwealth and have a higher citizenship in a more glorious city, in heaven itself.
This world is not intended to be our permanent home. (Jn. 14:1-4) Our desire should be to leave this life and go home to be with God. (2 Cor. 5:1-10). And while out time on earth is short, we leave the timing of our departure in God’s hands. (1 Chron. 29:15; Job 14:1; Ps. 103:15-16; Jas 4:14)
Since our time here is short, we need to prioritize eternal realities over transient ones and not become too attached to earthly activities. (1 Cor. 7:29-31) It’s not that they are necessarily, inherently sinful or evil. They may even glorify God, (cf. 1 Cor. 10:31). However, they are relatively important, not ultimately so, They are part of this world but not the next. We must not be so attached to the day-to-day activities of this present life that we fail to live in expectation and anticipation of the next. We are foreigners and strangers who are looking for a country of our own, a better country, a heavenly one, for a city God has prepared for us. (Heb. 11:13-16; see vss. 1-12; 39, 40) Here on earth, we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come, whose builder and maker is God. (Heb. 13:14; see vss. 11-13)
Manitoulin Island, ON
It seems that one of the major problems in the church at Corinth was their lack of unity. This was particularly apparent in the matter of spiritual gifts, especially the gift of speaking in tongues. For some reason, some of the Corinthians considered this gift of greater importance than other gifts. Those who possessed it tended to become arrogant and looked down upon non tongue speakers with disdain. It was as if they were of lesser significance and importance and those lacking this gift, in turn, tended to be envious and jealous of those who spoke in tongues.
These attitudes created disharmony, division, and hard feelings within the church.
In reality, no one was more important or less important than anyone else. Paul pointed out, that all of their gifts came from the same source and that that the Spirit of God manifested Himself in a variety of different ways. They were all equally important and necessary for the church to function the way that God intended. God had assigned gifts to each one (vs. 11) so that they could help one another. (vs. 7)
Paul applied this same principle of variety and unity…. to the church, the body of Christ.
As the human body is made up of many different parts each having its own function, so it is in the church. The church is comprised of many different members; and every member has been assigned a responsibility and has a contribution to make. We are jointly members of one another. Therefore, we are to “ . . . make every effort to keep ourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.” (Eph. 4:3; cf. vss. 4-6 [NLT])
No one should want to opt out because they do not possess a particular gift, nor should anyone want to exclude or diminish another. Each and every part or gift is necessary and important. When we humbly accept the role and responsibility that God has given us, the result is unity, peace, and harmony. We are to encourage and support each other, to rejoice in each other’s successes and victories, to sympathize with each other’s losses and defeats, and to bear one another’s burdens. One’s experience is to be the experience of every other member. (1 Cor. 12:26) All of us together are the body of Christ and each of us is a member of it. (vs. 27)
Disunity is impossible to hide and it came out at Corinth in a number of ways. Paul had received a report that there were divisions in the church with each following it’s own teacher. (1 Cor. 1:11, 12)
So Paul reminded them that the teachers whom they claimed to follow were nothing more than servants of Christ through whom they, the Corinthians, had come to believe the Good News. Each was only doing the work God had given him. And it was God who made their work successful (1 Cor. 3:5-7, 21-23) .
Paul urged them to be united in view of three things:
So Paul appealed to them to live in harmony and to be of one mind, united in thought and purpose
In Chapter 6, Paul addressed the matter of lawsuits between Christians. Internal disputes were put on public display when Christians aired their grievances in civil courts. Not only did they fail to be united, they did not trust each other enough to handle differences amongst themselves. By going public, they were destroying the church’s image and witness. It would have been better to accept injustice than to bring disgrace upon the church.
The church’s failure to be united came out again in the matter of eating meats that had been sacrificed to idols. Those who insisting upon what they considered their own rights and freedoms, showed a lack or concern for their brothers and sisters. Members who were “weaker in the faith” could not each this meat with a clear conscience. To them it was sin. And those who were forcing it upon them as a false test of faith, were causing them to stumble.
And then in chapter 11, Paul reprimanded the Corinthians for the way they celebrated the Lord’s Supper. The Eucharist was intended to be a time for thanksgiving and fellowship as together we remember the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. It was also time to reflect on our unity in Christ. When we drink from the cup and eat the bread we are jointly sharing in the blood and body of Christ. But the Corinthians went ahead and partook of the emblems whenever they pleased rather than waiting for each other. They emphasized their disunity instead of their common salvation. Sometimes, they celebrated Communion at a love feast. But even then, their lack of unity and fellowship was further emphasized when some had much and others had little. The poor were ‘put to shame’. It was not a ‘love feast’ at all, but an insult to Christ and disgrace to the church. (vss. 20-22)
It turns out that most if not every one of their problems reflected and was the result of a lack of harmony, unity, and love. If they had had the proper attitude, their actions would have been different. They could have been blessed with peace harmony, and good will.
Lessons Learned:
Manitoulin Island, ON
About six or seven years ago I broke a hip. Part of the treatment I received involved physiotherapy. At least once during those treatments the therapist said to me: “No pain, no gain.” While she was trying to make light of the discomfort I was experiencing, there was truth in what she said. Had I not gone through some of the exercises and manipulations, my healing might not have been as quick or as complete. James gives similar encouragement to his readers when he writes: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.” (Jas. 1:1)
James is not encouraging us to be masochists, but he does want us to realize that there are certain benefits to be gained through enduring trials that cannot be gained as effectively – any other way. The point is not to pretend to be happy when we face pain and/or difficulty but to have a positive outlook because of what trials can produce in our lives. (Life Application Study Bible)
There are several things we need to be aware of in regard to trials.
First, we need to realize that trials are to be expected and are a common experience. James said: “ . . . whenever you face trials . . . ,“ not “ . . . if you face trials . . . ” He assumes we will have trials and that it is possible to profit from them. (LASB) Jesus told his followers: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (Jn. 16:33) Furthermore, Paul admonished Timothy that all who were living Godly lives should expect persecution. (2 Tim. 3:12; cf. Matt. 5:10-12; Acts 14:21, 22)
Secondly, we will face many different kinds of hardships. Problems may be physical, emotional, mental, social, or spiritual in nature, to name a few. Some of the specific things that may test our faith are acute or debilitating pain, chronic disease, mental illness, failed marriages, lost friendships, war, terrorism, political unrest, violent crime, poverty, hunger, fear, anxiety, disappointment, frustration, loss of hope, unemployment, death of a loved one, and other trials. These and other such things have caused many to question the existence of a just, loving God.
Detractors may claim, that if God does exist, either He is powerless to prevent such things or He simply doesn’t care. Yet, while God doesn’t will all such things, He does permit them, and, at times He may use them to discipline and/or to punish. God gives us freedom of choice and we must be prepared to accept the consequences of choices, even if we did not personally make them. And when it comes to temptation, God has promised that: “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” (1 Cor. 10:13)
As He did when Satan was permitted to test Job, (cf. Job 1:9-12; 2:3-6) God, who knows us better than we do, will limit amount and nature of what confronts us. We also need to remember that “ . . . in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Rom. 8:28) We need to turn our hardship and difficulties into times of learning. Facing and overcoming trials can help in developing perseverance which is also called patience and steadfastness. (cf. Rom. 2:7; 5:3-5; 8:24, 25; 2 Cor. 6:3-7; 2 Pet. 1:2-9). And last but not least, our trials turn our minds toward heaven (2 Cor. 4:16-18; cf. Rom. 8:18-21). “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those that love Him. (Jas. 1:12)
In Luke 10, we read of an occasion when an expert in the Jewish law asked Jesus what he needed to do to inherit eternal life. This was not the only time Jesus was asked this question. (cf. Matt. 19:16-22; 22:35-40). However, the lawyer was not really interested in the answer, He wanted to test Jesus as happened on many occasions. (cf. Matt. 22:35; Mk. 19:2; Lk. 11:16; Jn. 8:6) Regardless of his motive, the question is indicative of a basic human intuition.
Eccl. 3:11 states God has “set eternity in the human heart.”
“The word translated “eternity,” is much debated regarding its translation in this passage. It can be translated as “darkness,” “It could be that Solomon is contrasting human ignorance with God’s perfect wisdom1.
It can also be used of the world. God has allowed men to “set the world in their heart” so they will see that the world does not satisfy. In light of the context, however, the word is best interpreted with reference to the future and translated “eternity.” In every human soul is a God-given awareness that there is “something more” than this transient world. We possess an innate knowledge that there is something more to life than what we can see and experience in the here and now. God has put something within us that longs for more”.
God has given man a desire for perpetuity that cannot be satisfied with what is merely temporal. With this awareness comes a hope that we can one day find a fulfillment not afforded by the “vanity” in this world.
This longing has been built into each of us and is intended to draw us to the only One who can give meaning and purpose to our lives – the One who put that longing within us in the first place”.2
Taking this understanding to be the correct one, Ecclesiastes 3:11 affirms that humans operate in a different way than other forms of life. Yet, contrasting this concept with what follows “ . . . no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”
The same Hebrew word refers to God’s activity. In verse 14 the wise-man used the word “forever” to describe the durability of what God does. He has prepared something for us beyond the short years of our mortal lives. Humans need a God’s-eye view of the world in order to discern his order in the creation, but we lack this perspective because we are limited. Our quest is for the eternal, but it is frustrated by our finite limitations. It is in the New Testament that God has been revealed what lies ahead. (Jn. 14:1-3; 1 Cor. 15:50-58; Rev. 20:11-15; 21:1-8).
While God has revealed much of what will take place in the end, there remains a mystery. As believers, our hope is in Christ – we have something definite to look forward to.
Ice Lake, Manitoulin Island
1https://www.gotquestions.org/eternity-in-our-hearts.html
2https://aclayjar.net/2020/03/eternity-in-our-hearts/
Photo used by permission from Camp Manitou Facebook page
