Spiritually-Wise Christians

PART #1

James 1:22 says, “Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

Bible teacher and preacher Leslie Miller told of a time when he was in North Africa.  One late afternoon he watched thousands of sheep come to a watering hole and drink until satisfied.  After the sheep had all they could drink, a dozen shepherds walked off in different directions, singing or speaking in different tones and ways.   To the amazement of Mr. Miller the sheep broke off from the large group and began to follow each shepherd.  The sheep actually rallied to the call of the shepherd they knew and trusted.  Pastor Leslie never forgot the sight.  He thinks of it often when he reads or meditates on the words of Jesus, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27)

It is important to note.  A trusting relationship is what enables the child of God to walk in the wisdom of God.  A true love relationship is at the heart of true obedience to God and Christ.

Christianity is not made up of just the things we do or don’t do.  It must be clear in our hearts and minds that Christianity is a relationship with God, Jesus and fellowship in the Holy Ghost.  Grasping for the wisdom of God involves being attentive to Jesus’ voice, meditating on what He says, obeying His words that give life and enduring in His calling upon our lives.

Spiritually Wise Christianity knows that this life down here is a battle.  There is a constant battle going on within our spiritual hearts all the time.  The Apostle Paul writes about this truth in Galatians 5:17, “For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature.  They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want.”

Dr. Murray uses a teaching on rattlesnakes to illustrate the deadly fascination of the flesh, the sinful nature of man.  Mr. Murray’s study on rattlesnakes exposes some interesting things about this potentially deadly character, whose bite most certainly causes sickness and even death.

It seems once a rattlesnake puts its piercing eyes on its prey it has a deadly drawing effect that causes its prey, such as birds, mice and even squirrels to be drawn into his reach.  Their eyes become focused on the rattlesnake, knowing that they should run for their lives, but seemingly unable to move.  Most are able to brush it off, yet some respond to the danger too late and are caught by the rattlesnake’s deadly fangs.  It has been reported that some birds and even squirrels have dropped from trees into the rattle snake’s range because they could not shake his luring eyes. 

The flesh has that much lure and can become a deadly powerful force.  God knew the dangers of the flesh and this is why He instructed Paul through the leading of the Holy Ghost to write in Galatians 5:16 “So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature.”

Are you “Spiritually-wise” like the Apostle Paul? Do you look at temptation as potential danger and call upon Jesus Christ to send the Holy Spirit to deliver you from the lures of the flesh, the world and the lies of the devil?  Does Jesus know you and do you follow His voice?