“He who keeps his command will experience nothing harmful; And a wise man’s heart discerns both time and judgment” Ecclesiastes 8:5 NKJV
The wise set before themselves two realities: time is passing and Judgment is coming.
The heart of the wise discerns both time and Judgment. As they live in the present, they continually set before themselves two realities: time is passing and Judgment is coming.
Most in this life are focused on short term gain and pleasures. Rarely do they reflect that their time on this earth shortens with every growing second. For many have their eyes upon the flesh and the world. They are short term focused, rather than long term directed. They seek to fulfill the lust of the eyes and the pride of life (1 John 2:16), but fail to look ahead and know that all will be revealed.
The wise man lives in the present, but knows that his time is allotted by God. He knows that every millisecond is being recorded in the Book of Remembrance (Malachi 3:16). He knows that everything on an individual and worldwide scale will soon be exposed before the Judge of all judges.
“We are possessors of nothing, but stewards of all things.” Dr. Tom Watkins
As the wise man lives, his heart is directed towards others. His desire is to be productive with the time that has been given. Anything that is outside of the Lord’s will and does not profit the Kingdom of God is set aside. For time is short, and eternity is long. Whatever is done in this life will continue on into the next. As my mentor and friend Dr. Tom Watkins once said, “we are possessors of nothing, but stewards of all things.”
“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere” (James 3:17 ESV). The wise have no concern with reflecting on the world’s ways. Rather, they choose to live for Eternal Days. For godly wisdom looks towards the future, but lives in the present. It sees the blessedness of being gentle and sincere. It desires purity and simplicity in all its ways. It does not seek to be led by emotions, but by the Holy Spirit. For the Holy Spirit is the conscience of every man who has reflected upon why they are here and where they are going.
As wisdom builds, so our profitability for God increases. As love is enhanced, we press on into the works of Christ.
When we strive to see as God sees, we begin to walk in light of Scripture. Knowing that our road is leading towards standing before God gives us greater motivation and desire to be led by the Spirit. As wisdom builds, so our profitability for God increases. As love is enhanced, we press on into the works of Christ. As we open the soul to God’s will, we deny ourselves of presumptuous activity. We do not merely follow through with what we believe because it is comfortable and agrees with our original state. Rather, wisdom from above helps us to conform into Wisdom Himself.
We must set aside our own human reason and allow ourselves to be pierced by God’s Holy Sword. For the vileness and deception that lingers within is deeper than we care to admit or know.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, Who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5 ESV). God is more willing to give than we are willing to receive. For in order to possess a heart of wisdom, we must first have humility. We must set aside our own human reason and allow ourselves to be pierced by God’s Holy Sword. For the vileness and deception that lingers within is deeper than we care to admit or know. By humbling ourselves, we open ourselves to conviction and chastisement. The sooner we learn that these are for our good and done out of love, the quicker we may receive wisdom that is not of this world; the greater the manifestation of the Holy Spirit will be within us.
Through humility and seeking after holiness, we may enter into the unknown chambers of God's Mind.
“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” (Ephesians 5:15-17 ESV). Through humility and seeking after holiness, we may enter into the unknown chambers of God's Mind. We may be graced with wisdom from On High, as we descend and abase ourselves before Almighty God.
May the realities of time passing and the coming Judgment spur us down the path of productivity and efficiency for the Kingdom of God.
Let us therefore conclude that wisdom is given to those who deny themselves and forsake the ways of the world. Wisdom is ever increasing when our heart's pursuit is in line with Scripture. May the realities of time passing and the coming Judgment spur us on down the path of productivity and efficiency for the Kingdom of God. May His will forever be before us, as we leave ours behind us.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, You are the Atemporal God Who transcends time and space. Lord, You are the One Who gives wisdom to those who humbly request it. Triune God, it is only by You that we live, move, and have our being. God, we desire to live according to Your will. We desire to please Your Holy Name with all of our being. Grace us with the strength and wisdom needed to move down the path of holiness. Give us wisdom in our relationships, career, business deals, decision making, and prioritizations. Guide us into Your heart that we may possess a heart of wisdom. We are nothing without You, Lord. It is only through You that we can do and have all things. Blessed be Your Name, now and forevermore. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Lance VanTine