If you’ve ever experienced a business or relationship failure, whether you’re aware of it or not, it’s often because we didn’t heed God’s direction.
When I was young, I didn’t believe God’s Word was important. In fact, if anyone had asked, I would have said it was foolish to think God wanted to bless me if I simply let Him guide my every step. Like many, I used to believe that following God’s Word seemed restrictive and controlling, and that doing so would limit my abilities and outcomes—dating who I wanted to date, marrying who I wanted to marry, and doing business the way I wanted to do business. That was my M.O., as it is for many of us! But time and age bring wisdom.
My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. Colossians 2:2-4
Notice that the Lord tells us He wants us to have full riches and an understanding of His Word through Jesus, His Son, so that we may access the hidden treasures of wisdom. In this way, the mystery of God the Father is revealed. Simply put, when we seek the truth of God through His Word, He reveals who He is and empowers us to make decisions that lead to good outcomes.
As we learn the Word of God, we access the ultimate wisdom, authority, and treasures that come with it. Proverbs 16:16 tells us that it is better to get wisdom than gold. Why? Because gold in the hands of someone with no wisdom ends poorly, while gold in the hands of a person with wisdom benefits not just them, but those around them.
The treasures of wisdom and knowledge not only give us access to the mysteries of God, but they also protect us from the enemy’s tactics that lead to destruction. In 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12, we see that those who do not know God’s Word and seek it will perish because they refuse to love the Truth.
And all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing. They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.2 Thessalonians 2:10-12
Because they refuse the Truth, God allows them to be deceived by powerful delusions, and they begin to believe a lie. Ouch! I was once that person. I can relate because there was a time when I disregarded messages that conflicted with my will. But thank God He didn’t turn my rejection of His Word into a powerful delusion.
God offers every person an untapped source of wisdom and knowledge, all because He loves His children. I thank God that He didn’t reject me when I rejected Him. Like the prodigal son, we may have walked away, but our Father in Heaven is always faithful and good. When we turn back to Him, we will find His arms open wide, ready for our return!
Have a great day! Stephen L. Thomas