Train your Soul - Intellect

Get out a pen and a piece of paper. ( really)

Draw a big circle.

-that circle represents all the knowledge there is to know; science, technology, medical, history, etc.

Now, draw a line through that circle to represent the amount of knowledge you possess in comparison to all the knowledge you believe is in this world to possess.

Humbling, isn’t it?

I knew a man who is very intelligent. He researched, could argue the hind leg off a donkey and seemed to know everything about everything... I remember discovering he’d also let everyone ( including pastors) know where they were wrong in their beliefs and delivery. He’d correct their doctrine, so much so that it became a bit of a joke amongst the pastoral team during the time I was a part of that church.

Unfortunately, all that knowledge was really pride because truth was not the goal- to prove himself right was.

Is it wrong to have knowledge? Absolutely not! “ My people perish for lack of knowledge.” Hosea 4:6

Knowledge makes us wise.

There is nothing more concerning than a person who doesn’t understand!

However, knowledge gained for OUR own gain IS wrong. What I mean by that is when knowledge and pride marry, it produces self-righteousness, arrogance, a refusal to obey or submit ...PRIDE.

So, how do we keep ourselves from becoming proud ?

1. Ask God questions. Involve the Holy Spirit into our quest for knowledge.

“ for it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than the necessary things” Acts 15:28

The apostles of the early church knew to involve the Holy Spirit into their reasoning. Where we lack knowledge, the God of ALL knowledge is ready to teach us. We grow wise and coupled with humility, we bring godly answers to any situation.

2. Be ready to submit to God’s word. 

“ Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own.” John 7:17

Just because something sounds good, it may not be. On the flip side, sometimes we miss the good because our intellect/ stronghold of belief keeps us from receiving the goodness of all God has provided.

Here’s the key- if it’s a new covenant reality, open up your mind to receive it and believe it even if you don’t “get it”.

Don’t let your “buts” or your “ what if’s” keep you from the bounty of goodness.

Simply humble yourself like Moses did and let Gods intellect and mind become yours.

“ He made known his ways to Moses, his acts to the children of Israel.” Psalm 103:7

Moses wasn’t the sharpest tool in the toolbox, but he became Gods spokesman, His friend and the greatest in the “humility” ranks because he spent time with God; immersing himself in God’s thoughts and words. Moses didn’t rely on his own wisdom, but rather the source of all wisdom.

Walk with the wise ( God) and you will grow wise! ( and smart ).