The Wisdom of This World

              After reading 1 Corinthians 3:18-21 quoted below, and after having just completed reading the Books Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, my thoughts immediately go to:

Ecclesiastes 1:2  Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity.

              My second thought was in all the wisdom that Solomon preached, all the judgments (from that preaching of wisdom and in all he spoke,) his conclusion: it was all a waste of time.

              This second consideration brought to mind another verse;

Matthew 7:13-14  Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:  (14)  Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

Solomon preached the “strait” gate but walked the “broad” way.  We as preachers need to verify what we are preaching.  Are we a “Don’t do as I do, do as I say,” type preacher?   If so, then we walk with the “wisdom of this world.”

              My thoughts daily are, “Am I presenting God Biblically,” and in truth? I do not do as well as I want, and certainly not to the standards God has set for us. I do fall short.  As a Preacher and as a Christian I do not want to get to the end and find my life as Solomon found his, “all is vanity.”

              In order for us to be what God expects of us as individuals, we must make additional choices in our lives.  When we accepted Jesus as our personal Saviour, it was under conviction, (with some, likely limited knowledge of Jesus the Christ.)  Regardless of our education and the conviction, we made a personal choice to accept Jesus, by saying, “Yes, I believe.”

              Some reading this may be “newborn babes (1 Peter 2:2)” in Christ, others may have many years as a believer.  We all might find that staying on the “narrow” way has been difficult or just over time we have strayed to a broader road.  When we find this to be true, we must make a personal choice:  to get back from the “wisdom” of the world, and put our “vanities” out of our lives.

Romans 12:2  And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

              You as an individual must decide to be “transformed by the renewing of your mind” so that you can get back into God’s will.  It is your decision, it isn’t mine for you, (it is your decision.)  Are you transforming and renewing your life?  Don’t you think maybe it is about time?                        

Bro. John R. E Chastain

1 Corinthians 3:18-21  Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise.  (19)  For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.  (20)  And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.  (21)  Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours;