Paul and a Theology of Martyrdom

As I have previously written, I believe that the Church today desperately needs to recover a "theology of martyrdom." Here is a link to that post.

Recovering a Theology of Martyrdom

In this post I would like to look specifically at the life and writings of the apostle Paul and elaborate on what he has to say about building the kingdom of God in the face of persecution and martyrdom.

The story of Paul begins in the book of Acts with the stoning of Stephen. The men who stoned him laid down their garments at the feet of a man named Saul (Acts 7:57-60). This event sparked a great persecution of the Church in Jerusalem, with Saul as a driving force behind it ( Acts 8:1-3). 

In his zeal to destroy the Church, Saul left for Damascus looking for any Christians that he might arrest and bring back to Jerusalem. It was on this road that he was stopped by Jesus Himself,

And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 

And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for you to kick against the pricks.

And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

Acts 9:4-6 KJV

This event led to the conversion of Saul, who we also know as Paul. He was led to the house of a man named Judas on Straight street in Damascus where Annanias, who was sent by Jesus, placed his hands on him so that his sight would be restored and he would be filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts 9:8-18). In a vision Annanias was told this, about God's calling upon the life of Saul,

"Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: for I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake."

Acts 9:15-16 KJV 

Previous to this event, as Saul persecuted the Church, he was likely    deeply convicted by the Holy Spirit, by what he witnessed when Stephen was martyred. To kick against the pricks was to resist guidance. Pricks (KJV) or goads were used to guide oxen. If one rebelled against this they were said to "kick against the goads."  According to Robertson's word pictures this became a proverb of that time period to refer to one who was rebellious. It is not a stretch to consider that Saul's rabid drive to stamp out the Church was at least in part, his attempt to shut out the voice of the Holy Spirit. I know from my own life, when I came under conviction, I ran long and hard in the opposite direction, trying to drown out my conscience. 

From the very beginning of Paul's Christian life hardship was a normal part. Indeed, he was to see how much suffering he was to endure for the sake of Christ. Within days of his conversion he openly proclaimed Christ to the Jews in Damascus. As a result, a plot was formed to kill him and he was lowered over the wall to escape this threat (Acts 9:19-25). The man who once persecuted the Church was now persecuted himself.

In 2 Corinthians 11:24-33 we read a list of Paul's physical suffering in his service to Christ. He was beaten, stoned, imprisoned, shipwrecked, faced dangers in his travels, faced hunger and the elements. He endured all of these things for Christ with a willingness that I fear is lacking among many professing Christians today in this country.

As he was on his way back to Jerusalem he sent for the elders from Ephesus to see them one final time. He had this to say to them,

    And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there.

Save that the Holy Ghost witnesseth in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me.

But none of these things move me,neither count I my life dear to myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify of the grace of God.

Acts 20:22-24 KJV

And the next chapter records a prophetic word warning Paul that he would be bound and turned over to the Gentiles when he arrived in Jerusalem (Acts 21:19-12). Here is his reply,

     Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and break my heart? For I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

Acts 21:13 KJV

Look at the boldness and determination in the heart of the apostle. His was a life thoroughly transformed by the Holy Ghost. His focus was on one thing, the completion of his service to God. Nothing else mattered, he would let nothing stand in the way, even willing to die in the process, if it came to that.

He elaborates more on this theme in his epistles to various Churches he established during his time of ministry. By looking at some of these we get a glimpse into his heart, and can see the depth of his commitment to Jesus.

     According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death.

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not.

For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:

Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.

Philippians 1:20-24 KJV

Paul's unwavering purpose was to magnify Christ in everyway possible. He desired to show Christ to the world by his actions, attitudes, and speech. He had a calling to proclaim Christ to the Gentiles as we saw in Acts 9:15-16. So in life his passion, the mindset that drove him, was to glorify Christ. To remain alive in the flesh was the opportunity to continue pressing on in his desire to make Christ known to others. Yet death, even violent death for the sake of the gospel, was still yet another way to magnify Christ. 

Persecution has a way of encouraging others to become more bold in the faith. Paul brings this out earlier in this epistle. This letter was written to the Church in Philippi while Paul was imprisoned in Rome. He states that the very fact of his imprisonment has become an opportunity for the furtherance of the gospel. Many fellow believers have become confident due to Paul's bonds, and now speak the word boldly, without fear (Philippians 1:12-14).

So to Paul it did not matter if it was by life or by death, only that Christ was magnified. In fact, he states that he would rather depart and be with Christ. That is the ultimate thing for each one of us. Death, for a believer is only the doorway into the presence of Christ. If we know and love Jesus we have nothing to fear. In 2 Corinthians 5:1-9 Paul speaks of groaning for our heavenly bodies, desiring the day when death is swallowed up by life everlasting. He is confident, and willing to be absent from the body (to die) so that he can be in the presence of the Lord.

In the famous passage found in Philippians 3:7-14 where Paul counts all things as loss for the sake of Christ, we read this,

     That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; if by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.

Philippians 3: 10 -11 KJV

Again, we see that the apostle does not shrink from suffering and even death for the sake of Christ. In fact he embraces it. He desires to partake of the sufferings and even the death of Christ. Just as Jesus suffered and died for us, Paul, in his love for Christ is willing to suffer and die for Him as well. Ultimately Paul realized the truth of the resurrection. Physical death in this life was not the end.

We read this in Colossians 1:24,

     Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body's sake, which is the church: whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God.

We, as the body of Christ now take up the mantle so to speak. Just as Jesus suffered afflictions, even to the point of death, now it is our turn as we carry out the mission He left us with. And yet when we suffer persecution for the cause of Christ it is Christ Himself who is persecuted. When Jesus spoke to Saul on the road to Damascus, he asked, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" (Acts 9:4)

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed but not in despair; persecuted but not forsaken; cast down but not destroyed; always bearing about in the body the dying of he Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.

For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. So then death worketh in us, but life in you.

We having the same Spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you. For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. 

For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.

For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

2 Corinthians 4:7-18 KJV

This passage alone sums up the entire point I am trying to make. The Apostle Paul, as a follower of Christ, we, as followers of Christ, are called to carry on the work of Jesus in our lives. Yes, it is hard work. Persecution is an inevitable result of our visible and active testimony. Why did Jesus ordain that this work should go forward, carried by individuals in fragile, mortal bodies? To show the excellency of the power of God in us! As we die to ourselves in humility, and begin to depend on Christ in our weakness, He becomes strong in us. God has taken what the enemy meant for evil, and turned it into good. This is how Christ continues the work he began. He does it through us, even in the midst of suffering.

Our job is to be faithful in obedience to the great commission, no matter the cost. If we believe, we must speak. And that, will cause a reaction. Like Paul, each one of us must be confident in the truth of the resurrection. Our bodies here are only temporary. They are already wearing out. We are not meant for self preservation, but to be offered up in service to Christ. Whether that ends in martyrdom or not is up to God. Our purpose, like Paul's, is to go, looking at the eternal instead of the temporal. What we face here is minor, compared to the glory of eternity with Jesus. 

For millions of Christ followers down through the centuries persecution and death has been a normal part of serving Jesus. Even today a vast number of Christians suffer and die for their faith. They also consider it normal. 

I recently listened to a radio program where an individual was recounting meeting with some persecuted believers in China. He was asked if he had ever been in prison, to which he replied that he had not. These persecuted believers at first seriously doubted his Christianity. To them it was normal to be persecuted for their faith as well.

Here in America it is kind of unusual. Yes, we have what we call "freedom of religion." We can meet without fear of arrest, and worship whatever we want to worship in freedom. Is this a blessing? Maybe, but I sometimes wonder. If people were more bold with their witness would things change some? I think so. And our freedom today may be gone tomorrow. In fact, the day is coming when there will be no "safe" place to openly proclaim Christ. Will we be willing to shine as lights in a perverse generation when that day comes (Philippians 2:15)?

What we have seen in the life of Paul is an example for us to follow as well,

     For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake; having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.

Philippians 1:29-30 KJV

     

     

 

The Destruction of the Foundations.

If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?
Psalm 11:3 NASB








     We see an unprecedented amount of ungodliness in our world today. Just as in the days of Noah, it appears that the thoughts and intents of the heart of man are only evil, all the time (Gen 6:5).
     It seems ironic that as I write this, that we are celebrating independence day, while in reality millions are in bondage to their sunken depravity. It matters not that freedom has been "legislated" for deviant sexual behavior; there is no freedom apart from the radical freedom from sin that comes only through Christ Jesus.
     I want to primarily address those who would call themselves Christians, as judgment first begins in the house of God (1 Peter 4:17). What we are seeing today, not only in our nation, but within the walls of the "professing church," is the result of building upon a faulty foundation. Many have chosen to build their spiritual house upon the sand, rejecting the rock that would ensure the true spiritual prosperity of those holding the faith "once delivered" (Matt 7:24-27; Jude 1:3).
     In what ways have the foundations been destroyed? In what ways have we been found to have been building upon sand? Let's look at some "basic" things in scripture, that have been neglected, and even rejected by generations of professing Christians, leading, I believe, to what we are seeing today.

     1. What happened to the fear of the Lord?
     This is at the entry level. The fear of the Lord is basic to our knowledge of God, and the beginning of wisdom (Prov 2:1-5). With no fear of the Lord, it is impossible to be a true Christian, one who in truth, believes in, and follows the Lord Jesus Christ.
     Proverbs 9:10 tells us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. To fear the Lord is to take Him seriously. It is to believe what He reveals to us about Himself; His standards, His justice, righteousness, and holiness. It is to take His words seriously when He speaks of judgment and hell. To fear the Lord means that we take to heart what He tells us of ourselves; our sinfulness and rebellion, our lost condition; of our being dead in sin apart from Him. The fear of the Lord will cause us to depart from evil (Prov 16:6). This fear drives us to seek the Lord, and to live in obedience to Him (Job 1:8). It is a healthy fear, a clean fear, distinguished from a slavish fear that is based upon "performance," always looking for one more good deed to perform; always worried that there is one more thing to do to ensure our salvation. No, the true fear of the Lord causes us to take Him seriously; to believe what He says, and to act upon it. It causes us to repent and surrender; to give up our sin, and to submit our lives to Christ; to follow Him in loving obedience for His sake, not for what we can get out of Him.
     We have lost this fear. We would rather feel good about things; ourselves and our actions, even though they may deviate from scripture. We would rather have a god of our own invention; a god who does not punish sin, who does not convict us when we stray. We would rather have a Jesus who did not speak about hell and coming judgment; and many have twisted His words on these things to explain it all away. We would rather have a Jesus who bore the cross for us, and said nothing of our need to deny ourselves and take up our cross and follow Him (Mark 8:34). We say it is a finished work, and indeed it is. There is nothing we can add to the work of Christ on our behalf. Yet, He calls us to lose all for Him; to deny ourselves, and to follow Him even unto death if we would be His disciples. Why do we reject this today? Those who call Lordship salvation a heresy, are in effect calling Jesus a heretic, as He is the one who preached it first. Where is our fear of the Lord?
     You see, there is very little of the fear of the Lord in existence today. This is why so many of us can sin so easily, and come back with a half hearted confession, or no confession at all. This is why it is so easy to call ourselves Christian in name only, while our lives are filled with the devil. If we do not take the scriptural warnings at face value, and the New Testament alone, is full of them, we won't really care what our lives look like to God. That is why we can see so many "happy" people in Church tolerating any and everything that comes along; they worship God with their lips, while their hearts are far from Him (Mark 7:6-7).

      2. The scriptures have been explained away.
       The Bible tells us that scripture is God breathed. It is profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness (2 Tim 3:16). Jesus states that those who continue in His word are truly His disciples, and they will know the truth that can set them free (John 8:31-32). We have seen in the last several generations, an assault on the word of God, to make it of little or no effect. Men have placed doubt upon the inspiration of the scriptures, others upon the absolute truth of the scriptures. They have explained away the miracles, the commands, warnings and the promises of the word of God, in favor of mere humanistic "wisdom" and effort.
     Many people within "Christianity" believe that the Bible contains the words of God, but is not the word of God. Many others look at it as merely a cultural thing that has no real bearing on today's culture. They believe it is old and antiquated; it was for a different time, and it cannot work for us today to follow the principles found within it. So many of the promises and commands found within it's pages are explained away by the "cultural" argument. Once again, even New Testament principles are rejected by the modern "Church."
     There are those within the realm of "Christianity who reject the reliability of God's word. They say that you cannot believe everything that is in the Bible. These people believe that some things are true, while other things are not. This leads one to question the reliability of anything revealed to us by God, even the gospel. This also leads people to pick and choose what they will believe and follow as Christians; a dangerous concept indeed. Those who teach this are much like Satan when he placed doubt in the mind of Eve (Gen 3:1-5). We are warned: Do not add to, do not take away from God's word (Rev 22:18-19). The word of God is not subject to our own interpretation. We do not have the option to make it say what we want to hear (2 Peter 1:20-21).
      As I stated earlier, my purpose in writing this is to show us the dangerous ground we are on within professing Christianity. This is primarily addressed to those who call themselves Christians, not the world at large. These are common teachings within many of our churches and denominations today. Look it up. There are many polls out there that show the rejection by professing believers, of some of the most basic and orthodox beliefs found in God's holy, inspired word. How can we expect a Church to live according to the precepts and principles found within the pages of the sacred word, when it has been so thoroughly explained away by our modern pastors, teachers, theologians, and professors?

     3. There is very little love of the truth found today.
     The Apostle Paul wrote of a coming time when men would no longer endure sound doctrine. Instead, they would gather to themselves teachers who would teach them what they wanted to hear (2 Tim 4:3). We are living in an age where there is little love of the truth. Mega churches are filled with "seekers" desiring to have their ears tickled with soothing words. Pastors are busy dumbing down spiritual truths, choosing to give "uplifting" messages rather than confront the lost with the claims of Christ and the truth of the gospel. People do not want to hear of hell and judgment; they do not want to hear about sin and repentance. They would rather be soothed; have their ears tickled, and be encouraged to embrace who they are regardless of how wicked it may be in the sight of God. Pastors and modern evangelists have spread a gospel that comforts sinners in their sin. They have encouraged people to "come just as they are" with no sorrow, and no repentance. The modern gospel is more concerned with the happiness of man than the glory of God. Churches are filled with individuals selfishly seeking their best life now, using God for their own personal gain. But this is not how the Bible portrays salvation or true Christianity. The message of the cross is one of death to sin; of self denial and persecution; of trial and tribulation. The mission of Christ was to set men free from sin. The word of God assures us that those who are truly born again are overcomers. Their lives are no longer the same; they do not live how they used to live; they have been transformed (2 Cor 5:17; 1 John 3:5-6, 5:4-5).
     Those who reject the truth do so because they love wickedness. There is a strong warning of God's judgment for those who refuse the truth. God will send them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false (2 Thess 2:10-12). Those who are willfully ignorant, who choose to reject the truth for a lie, will be given over to falsehood, and go lost. This is a serious warning to those who seek out teachers who will tell them what they want to hear. As for those who teach a different gospel than what is revealed in the scriptures, they are under a severe warning as well. Paul says they are accursed; devoted to destruction (Gal 1:8-9). It is no small matter in the eyes of God when we exchange the truth for a lie (Romans 1:18-32).

     These may seem like hard words to many. It is not my desire to offend, but to speak up, to sound a clear warning; something is wrong! We are told that Christ is to come back for a Church without spot or wrinkle. He is looking for a Church that is holy and blameless. When He comes back, it will not be for a country club; a place where everyone can get together and have a great time feeling good about God, and themselves, and all of their sin. He is not returning to take home all of those who have used Him for the advancement of their worldly pursuits. He is not coming for the television hucksters who peddle a gospel get rich quick scheme, or for those who faithfully sowed a "seed" in order to gain material blessings. This is nothing more than the promotion of a god for hire, yet so much of our American Christianity is based upon these and other selfish principles.
     We need to get back to the basics. We need to cry out for wisdom, to seek it as we would seek silver and hidden treasure. We need to discern the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 2:1-5). We need to take Him at His word; to believe that He means what He has said. We need to come to Him in humble repentance, to submit ourselves to Him; to receive His word and obey it. We must love His truth, even when it is hard. And to love His truth means that we let it shape our lives, and we speak up boldly in defense of it no matter the cost. The church is to be the pillar and foundation of the truth (1 Tim 3:15). We must pray for strength and wisdom in these perilous days. We must pray for revival to shake us up, to awaken the sleepers, and to prepare us for the days ahead, that we would be found worthy of Christ at His return.
     

Strangers and Exiles.

All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own.
                                                               Hebrews 11:13-14 NASB


    

     There are two kingdoms. The kingdom of this world, and the kingdom of God. These two stand in stark opposition to one another. The one is built upon selfish principles, the other humility and love.
     Jesus tells us that unless one is born again, he cannot enter the kingdom of God (John 3:3-5). The thing that keeps us out is our pride. As selfish individuals we live for self, at the expense of others. This pride ultimately refuses to submit to God, shutting us out of His kingdom. Only through the new birth, the washing of regeneration, and the renewal of the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5), can this selfish principle be eradicated from our lives, making us fit for the kingdom of God.
     Those who have entered Christ's kingdom, through the new birth, are now at odds with the kingdom of this world. It is true, that by our physical birth, we are citizens of this world; we live in the various nations that make up this world, but now we reside in this world as strangers and exiles. We are like pilgrims passing through a strange land. This world is not our home.
     As followers of Jesus, we now live for a different purpose, and have different motives for our actions. This is clearly spelled out for us in the teachings of Jesus, in particular, the "Sermon on the Mount" found in Matthew 5-7. Jesus shows us that the things esteemed by the world, are worthless by the standards of His kingdom. As a result, those who would live by the principles Christ set forth, will find themselves at odds with this world. In fact, they will be rejected. The world in all of its pride, has no room for the meek and humble, no room for those who love their enemies, and who willingly forgive those who wrong them, and despises those who value purity over the pleasures that it has to offer.
     The Apostle Peter addresses the recipients of his first epistle as aliens (1 Peter 1:1). They were not only strangers on this earth, but were also driven from their country as well, because of their faith. Jesus warned us that we would be persecuted for his sake. Just as the world rejected Him, it will also reject His followers (Matt 5:10; John 15:18-20). As the Apostle Paul says, "Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted" (2 Timothy 3:12).
     In our "American Christianity" we are suddenly becoming aware of a great dividing line. As we see the blurring of truth, and the mass acceptance of sin in our culture, and even among those in the "professing" church, we are forced to either blindly conform to this evil world, or go against the current. It is becoming painfully evident that those who choose to stand alone on the side of righteousness, are in the minority. It is unpopular to stand for Jesus according to biblical principles, and those who choose to do so are finding out that the world does not understand them. In fact we see true Christians being slandered and maligned, in the things they say and do (1 Peter 3:16).
     Peter tells us that as aliens and strangers, we are to abstain from the fleshly lusts that war against our souls. We are to keep our behavior excellent among the inhabitants of this world, so that although they may slander us as evildoers, our good behavior will cause them to glorify God in the day of visitation (1 Peter 2:11-12).
     We are called to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation. This verse tells us that we stand out as lights in this world (Philippians 2:15). Jesus has called us to be light in a dark world. We are to let our light shine before men, so that they may see our good works, and glorify God (Matt 5:14-16). Paul tells us to expose the deeds of darkness (Eph 5:11-14). We have a purpose in this world, to point the way to Christ by our witness, and by our lives. This is why we must not compromise, not give way, and not shrink in fear. Even though we are strangers here, we are ambassadors for Christ, God working through us, to reconcile the world unto Himself (2 Cor 5:19-20).
    
    
   
    

Trusting God Wholeheartedly.

     Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
     In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
          Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV

     If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.
              James 1:5 KJV
    
                                                                           

Whole hearted trust
     What does it mean to trust in God with the whole heart? It is one thing to believe the promises we read in the word, but quite another thing to fall upon Him with an active faith when called to do so by the circumstances of life. It is easy to identify with Peter, sinking, as the wind driven waves crashed around him (Matt 14:28-31).
     James tells us that if we lack wisdom, God is more than willing to give it to us, if we will only ask. However, we must ask in faith,

     But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering: for he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
     For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord.
     A double minded man is unstable in all  his ways.
                                         James 1:6-8 KJV

     Peter was able to walk on the water, at Jesus command, as he kept his eye on Christ. When he looked at the storm around him, Jesus grew dim, and he lost his faith. Likewise, we are tossed about like waves of the sea, if we are double minded. A double minded man is a man who is not committed. This kind of person has no settled convictions or principles. He might have a half hearted commitment to Christ, but in reality, he is on the fence. It is impossible to have a living vibrant faith in Christ, if we are not surrendered to Him. This is why we see so many individuals falling apart today. They cannot trust Christ, if they do not really know Him. They are tossed about in all areas of life. Their opinions waver as the tossing sea. As the storms of life buffet them, they find it impossible to walk by faith and not by sight (2 Cor 5:7), and to look at what is unseen, rather than what is seen (2 Cor 4:18). 
     We are exhorted to come boldly to the throne of grace for help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16), and to draw near to God with a true heart, in full assurance of faith (Hebrews 10:22). This is trusting God with all of your heart. It is to be confident in Him; that He is good; that He is dependable; that He can be taken at His word; that He desires our highest good. 
     To trust Him with all the heart implies that we mean business with God; that we are serious in our pursuit of Him. Diligence is a forgotten word nowadays, but it is something that God desires us to be. We are to be diligent, making every effort, in our knowledge of Him. This includes our trust in Him as well. Proverbs 2:1-5, gives us a good idea of what it means to seek wisdom with diligence. It involves a conscience effort to hear; to apply the heart to understanding, to cry after knowledge, to lift up the voice after understanding. a diligent effort is compared to one seeking after silver and other treasures. This is what it means to trust in the Lord with all of the heart.

Our faulty understanding
      We must forsake our own understanding, if we would truly desire to know the way of God. Take a look at Abram and Sarai (Genesis 15:1-6,  16:1-4). God had promised Abram that he would have an heir. In the natural this would seem impossible, as both Abram and his wife Sarai were past child bearing age. After a long while, Sarai, decides to take matters into her own hands, and gives her maid Haggar, to Abram as a wife. They leaned unto their own understanding, and tried to bring about the promise of God, through their own efforts. This resulted in disaster, as so often happens when we decide to do things in our own way, instead of waiting on God. I admit, it can be difficult to trust God, when things do not seem as they should be. We often face impossible situations, and feel that the odds are insurmountable, but does not Jesus tell us that if we have faith, we can move mountains (Mark 11:22-24)? When we have a promise from God, we need to cling to that by faith, and forsake our own natural reasoning, no matter how ridiculous it may seem. Remember, we walk by faith and not by sight (2 Cor 5:7).
    
Acknowlege Him in everything
     We often want to trust God with some things, but not everything. However, we are to acknowledge God in all of our ways. Every decision we make, every obstacle we face, every plan and purpose that we have, should be placed in God's hands, if we would want to walk in His will. James tells us that it is presumption to make plans without considering God (James 4:13-15). We often take things for granted, but we do not know what tomorrow will bring. Once again, this is often where our own understanding of things gets in the way. It is not a matter of God's plans that we will follow, and then our own plans that we will also pursue, but God is all. Too many people are guilty of merely adding Jesus to their already full lives. He says make Me all! This is what self denial is about. It is losing our lives for His sake (Mark 8:34-35).
     If we do this, trust Him with all of our heart, forsake dependence on our own understanding of things, and consider Him in every area of our lives, God promises to direct our steps. His wisdom will flood our hearts and minds, and we will find ourselves walking in His perfect will for our lives!


    

    

      

Uncluttered Lives.

     For our proud confidence is this: the testimony of our conscience, that in holiness and godly sincerity, not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God, we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially toward you.
                               2 Corinthians 1:12 NASB

     In this passage, Paul is speaking of a simple, uncluttered Christian life. The word "holiness" in this verse is also translated "simplicity" in the KJV, the idea being that of a life being lived out in singleness of purpose. In other words, a life that is truly devoted to God.
     Few people are living this simple kind of life today. We are caught up in activities of every kind. We are busy with our children's school activities, work, weekend getaways, hobbies and so forth. It gets no better when we add all the church activities to our already busy schedules. We have men's ministries, women's ministries, youth trips, senior banquets, marriage retreats, and a host of other activities that keep us busy in the "Lord's work."
     It seems that we do not truly realize in our Christian lives what it means to "hate our lives in this world" (John 12:25).
     There is a simple rule that would quickly unclutter all of the extra things out of our busy lives, and bring us to that rest that Jesus promises those who come unto Him (Matt 11:28-30).

     Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.
                                 1 Corinthians 10:31 NASB

     If we would judge every activity in our daily lives by this standard, we would find that a good portion of what we do could be eliminated from our lives. How much of our daily routine actually glorifies God? We would also find our motives changing for the things that are left. Instead of the pressure to impress others, the pursuit of self advancement, a competitive nature, and other selfish motives, we would now be doing things for the glory of God. With singleness of purpose we would be living for Him, and Him alone. Our lives would now be simple and uncluttered, and we would indeed find rest for our souls. This is where true freedom is found.