In the pursuit of a life of wisdom, we discover the profound alignment required with God’s desires for this age. At the core of this alignment are two pivotal aspects:
- Revelation in Suffering: The Essence of God’s Identity
God’s self-disclosure reached its zenith in the person of Jesus, especially in His moments of profound suffering. The revelation wasn’t confined to triumphs but extended to the depth of pain. Embracing a life of wisdom means understanding the profound lessons concealed in the tapestry of suffering that God uses to reveal Himself.
- Formation in the Crucible: Shaping a People in His Likeness
God shapes a community, sculpting them through the unique challenges of this age to mirror His character. To be a disciple is to synchronize every facet of life with these twin purposes. Success, then, is defined by this alignment.
In the journey of discovery and conformity to God’s image, even apparent failures can be redeemed. The key lies in recognizing the transformative power embedded in acknowledging God and allowing Him to mold us. Failures, losses, and unexpected turns become redemptive threads, intricately woven into the narrative of a life attuned to divine wisdom.
Navigating the Unknown: Success Beyond Conventional Measures
Success, when tethered to the pursuit of God’s knowledge and the embodiment of His image, transcends worldly metrics. Whether in business ventures, ministries, or personal life, the conventional yardsticks of success might falter. Yet, aligning with God’s overarching purposes ensures enduring success.
The biblical narrative illustrates this truth. Peter, once brash and impulsive, faced a spectacular failure in denying Jesus. However, this apparent setback became the canvas on which God painted a transformed leader. Peter’s denial, far from disqualifying him, positioned him for a deeper, humbler pastorate. Failures, when met with a responsive heart, propel us forward in God’s divine narrative.
Freedom from the Pressure of Earthly Success
The pressure to conform to worldly definitions of success can be stifling. The Bible challenges our perceptions of success, reminding us that God’s evaluation often contrasts with societal norms. The age to come will unveil surprising realities, urging us to live wisely by aligning our lives with God’s dual purposes.
Understanding that this age revolves around two fundamental purposes allows seamless alignment with God’s intent, regardless of life’s scope. Whether in a grand ministry or daily existence, success is measured by conformity to God’s will.
The Enemy’s Distractions: A Call to Vigilance
The pursuit of God’s two-fold purpose is met with opposition. The enemy employs subtle distractions, sometimes cloaked in the guise of success or alternative measures of impact. To counteract these diversions, an unwavering focus on the divine purposes becomes paramount.
God’s desire is for His creation to know Him deeply and reflect His image. The allure of this divine mystery, facilitated by the Holy Spirit, beckons believers to pursue God with matching zeal.
Biblical Discipleship: Small Steps, Glorious Outcomes
Discipleship, often perceived as mundane, holds the key to an unparalleled glory. Small, seemingly insignificant acts of obedience to God’s commands lay the foundation for a radiance that will be fully revealed in the age to come.
The apostle Paul’s life exemplifies this principle. Despite challenges and suffering, he navigated his course with unwavering confidence in the ultimate maturity and majesty of God’s people. Discipleship, viewed as a continuous, faithful response to God’s commands, unfolds a narrative of glory that transcends the limitations of our present understanding.
Paul’s Source of Wisdom: A Prayer of Transformative Power
Paul’s profound understanding of God’s wisdom stemmed not only from revelation but from a prayer Jesus uttered before His crucifixion. This prayer sought a specific reward for His suffering—a reward that Paul internalized and dedicated his life to seeing fulfilled.
To unravel the depths of God’s wisdom, understanding this prayer becomes paramount. It serves as the linchpin connecting our pursuit of wisdom with God’s overarching plan.
Conclusion: Crafting a Life of Enduring Significance
In conclusion, embracing a life of wisdom entails a purposeful alignment with God’s revealed desires. The tapestry of our existence, woven through suffering, failures, and obedience, reflects the divine image. Success, redefined in God’s terms, emerges from this alignment, culminating in a life of enduring significance. As we navigate the complexities of this age, let wisdom guide our steps, knowing that every act of obedience contributes to a narrative of glory that will be fully unveiled in the age to come.
A.F.O.S.O.M., an anonymous contributor, involve with MFAM, helping Unreached People Group (Southeast Asia) Believers be connected with other authentic believers and helping to strengthen their faith. A.F.O.S.O.M transitioned from Islam to Christianity when he was 16, he attends a Singapore charismatic church, and writes for ‘Beholding Messiah‘ blog.
This article is my personal notes that I read from the book “Israel and the Great Commission—How the Great Commission Fulfills God’s Purpose for Israel and the Nations” by Samuel Whitefield.
