BE WISE IN GOD'S EYES

No one likes to be thought of by others as foolish or ignorant. After all, we have our pride. Right? But these days, it seems knowledge is increasing faster than even the brightest can comprehend. Of course, that does not keep us from pretending that we understand the latest computerized phone/game system/ etc. There are phones that you can verbally tell who to call and they will dial them for you. If you are in a car wreck, a voice asks you if you need help, and actually knows where you are. We now have cars that can parallel park by themselves! What's next, 3-D Television? No, wait, we already have that available. Just as Daniel predicted, there will come a time when knowledge shall be greatly increased, and travel will always be "on the run" (Dan. 12:4).

Just before Daniel wrote that verse, he wrote, "And they that be wise shall shine like the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness, as the stars forever and ever" (Dan. 12:3). There is a difference in the knowledge of verse four, and the wisdom of verse three. The unsaved can have great knowledge, but are destined for hell. Only the saved have true wisdom and will shine like their Creator forever. Verse three tells us that true wisdom is manifest by those who lead the lost to receive the righteousness of Christ, and from trusting in their own righteousness (Isa. 64:6; Phil. 3:9). It is having Christ's righteousness in us that motivates us to live in such a way that the lost are drawn by "our fruit" (Matt. 7:16; Gal. 5:22-23). It is our fruit that opens the door to share the Gospel, whereby we are declared to be wise in God's eyes (Prov. 11:30). If you are saved and you want to be considered wise by God, it is easy. Share the Gospel, the Good News, with those around you. Here is a simplified presentation known as the Romans Road:

1. 3:23 “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.

2. 6:23a “The wages of sin is death….”

3. 5:8 “But God commended His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

4. 6:23b “…but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

5. 10:13 “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

6. 10:17 “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.”

7. 12:1-2 “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.”