Proverbs 9:10

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight. For by me your days will be multiplied, and years will be added to your life.”

Job 28:28

“And He said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding.'”

Psalm 111:10

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow His precepts gain rich understanding. His praise endures forever!’

Proverbs 1:7

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.”

A couple of months ago, amongst the turmoil’s of the #blacklivesmatters and #alllivesmater movements, I wrote #listeningtolivesmatters. As we enter into a new week following the one we had, I can’t help thinking back to this earlier writing. It was written during a great divide in our nation, and I laughed a little because it was simpler back then! Now, more than ever before, we need to be examples of what listening looks like. We need to be the embodiment of understanding, not the pinnacle of being understood. At one of the most exciting moments in our lives, we need wisdom.

Jesus may have been the most misunderstood man in world history, but understanding led him to the cross. If people truly understood who he was, why he came, and what he did, I don’t believe we’d be in the kind of predicament we are in today. Yet, in a couple of months, we will begin celebrating Lent, a season that never would have existed had Jesus cared more about being recognized than understanding His Father’s way. He did not come and force His views of the Kingdom onto others, and He did not come to conquer those with different opinions than He*. On the contrary, He sacrificed Himself for the very people who didn’t understand Him at all. His wise counsel with His Father, the creator God, saved the perplexed humanity from certain death.

Being a representative of our Lord does not require violence, bitterness, anger, and resentment. In fact, those qualities are far from being a Child of God! A wise representative of God does one thing and only seeks first the Kingdom of God. Which, in a nutshell, means:

1. Seek God’s guidance when dealing with oppression, conflict, and differing points of view.
2. Surrender your emotions and thoughts of attempted murder (kidding, I hope) to the Prince of Peace.
3. Talk to the Wonderful Counselor, the Great I Am, and the one and only Immanuel every single day (hour or minutes as needed)! 
4. Fear the Lord your God; all wisdom will follow.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Pass onto us your understanding of mankind. Why must we be so divided? Why is Your world unfolding the way it is? Teach us the Fruits of the Spirit, especially patience, peace, and kindness, Lord. Amen.

*Jesus attacked standing beliefs about God and His people through rational discourse (debate) and educating in a way people would understand. There is a time and place to teach/act out God’s understanding. There is never a time and place to believe your world views, experiences, emotions, and personal pearls of wisdom are superior to others. Subject all your beliefs, understandings, and feelings to God. Humble yourself and “Seek first the Kingdom of Heaven.”