Transforming Wisdom

There is a difference between knowledge and wisdom. Knowledge is cognitive. It is information received and stored in our heads. Wisdom however, is knowledge lived out. Wisdom is knowledge put to action. If I were to tell you that running a marathon was exilerating, you would have the knowledge of the feeling that a race produces from what I had told you. But you wouldn’t know that feeling first hand. It takes an experienced runner to relay a deeper knowledge that is wisdom. You can’t know the euphoric feeling of running a race unless you have actually participated in one. Knowledge requires seeing and listening. Wisdom requires action.

When it comes to experiencing the Kingdom of God, many people have read about it, but few have actually caught a glimpse of it. We are well versed in scripture memorization, but with little life application. What is it that made men like Dr. Martyn Lloyd Jones, Leonard Ravenhill, A.W. Tozer, and so many other giants of our faith preach so passionately while other preachers seem to be merely delivering a dry lecture?  The answer is clear. Many a preacher has biblical knowledge. But few have experienced the fruits of wisdom.

Far to many believers speak of the Kingdom of God as if it is some far off future event that we are waiting for. In one sense, it is true that we eagerly await the second coming of our Lord Jesus (Philippians 3:20). However, a glimpse of the Kingdom of God has already been given to all of those who have professed Jesus Christ as Lord. This is one of the greatest gifts that God has given His children. But sadly, very few Christians have yet to realize the wonder that is theirs in Christ.

When I was a kid my parents gave me a toy car for Christmas. I was never big on Matchbox cars, I was always more of an action figure type of guy. While I thought the car was a generous gift and I appreciated it greatly, the toy just wasn’t all that appealing to me. Then my father took the car and began to show me that it was “more than meets the eye.” This was right about the time that The Transformer toys had hit the stores, automobiles that changed into action figure robots. My joy increased ten fold in that moment.

Many believers are like a child that has been given a mediocre gift. While they appreciate the fact that they have become heirs to the Kingdom of God, they just don’t see how it applies to the here and now. In a sense, they haven’t realized that there is more than meets the eye regarding God’s Kingdom. And as a result, they are missing out on a joy that is their to be had right now.

“Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, “The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.” Luke 17:20-21.

Many believers have the knowledge of this verse. But few have unlocked its meaning.

Charles Spurgeon once said, “Have your heart right with Christ and He will visit you often, and so turn weekdays into Sundays, meals into sacraments, homes into temples, and earth into Heaven.”

Dwell on this statement for a moment. What does it look like when a person truly has their heart tuned into seeking the Lord whole heartedly? When we understand the depths of what took place on that cross over two thousand years ago, we are unable to treat it as common. Grace changes everything. We no longer can view our world through eyes of the flesh but now we see things from a Christ centered lens.

Are you pierced daily at the thought of Christ dying for your sins?

Are you broken hearted when see someone lost without Christ?

Are you overjoyed at the grace that the Lord has bestowed upon you?

Are you eyes wearied and your knees calloused by nights of scripture reading and prayer?

These things are not items to be marked of on a Christian to do list. Rather, these are characteristics of a person who has experienced the ‘right now’ portion of the Kingdom of God. When we wholeheartedly seek the Lord, passion for Christ become our new normal. As Spurgeon wrote, our mealtimes become sacraments before the Lord. Our worship is no longer confined to Sunday, because we worship God in all areas of life. Church is no longer the only place we hear Christ taught, but now our homes have become living temples.

Religion and everyday life are no longer segmented. Your Christianity and your weekly routine are no longer compartmentalized. When we live with the Kingdom of God in our midst, Heaven and earth collide in a magnificent way. The Lord doesn’t tell us to live every moment in light of His return to burden us. He requires His children to seek Him wholeheartedly for their joy! What a shame it is that so many believers feel burdened by the commands of God! What joy springs forth from a Christ centered home! How much easier it is to weather life’s storms with Jesus in our midst!

May we all begin to seek the Lord with all of our hearts. May prayer be the balm of our souls. May family worship become top priority in our households. And may we all begin to live in light of the already here, but not yet Kingdom of God! Every portion of our lives is to be a living sacrifice of worship. Not out of duty, but for our joy and His glory! May the Knowledge of the Lord lead to an active wisdom that gives way to unspeakable joy!

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God–this is your true and proper worship.” Romans 12:1

“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.” James 1:5.