In part one of this series, (see Being Wise), we examined what wisdom actually was, and how God stressed the necessity of our pursuing after it. The book of Proverbs, mostly written by King Solomon through Holy Spirit-inspiration, contains a great treasure trove of this divine wisdom.
For wisdom to be beneficial, it must be applied. Some of the proverbs offer a plethora of wisdom regarding its application in marriage: but we’ve already covered that in previous blogposts, (see Right and Wrong Relationships and Part 3 of the same series).
Other proverbs let us examine the wise applications of initiative:
Go to the ant, you slacker! Observe its ways and become wise. Without leader, administrator, or ruler, it prepares its provisions in summer; it gathers its food during harvest. How long will you stay in bed, you slacker? When will you get up from your sleep? A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the arms to rest, and poverty will come like a robber, your need, like a bandit. Pr. 6:6 – 11. CSB
Jehovah God often displays His wisdom by portraying the consequences of going against it. Yet, doesn’t laziness seem to be a minor offense? Not so. Slothfulness can even rob one of their basic necessities; whereas diligent action brings great rewards:
Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper. Pr. 13:4 NLT
Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring riches. Pr. 10:4 CSB
Those who don’t take initiative will be subservient to those that do:
The hand of the diligent will rule, but the slack hand will be put to forced labor. Pr. 12:24 NASB
If this sluggishness spills over into their spiritual pursuits, they can miss out on a good life here and in eternity:
…demonstrate the same diligence for the full assurance of your hope until the end, so that you won’t become lazy but will be imitators of those who inherit the promises through faith and perseverance. Heb. 6:11, 12. CSB
You must initiate your relationship with God; and afterwards, you have to continually take action to keep yourself present in it:
The LORD looks down from heaven on the human race to see if there is one who is wise, one who seeks God. Ps. 14:2 CSB
Seek the LORD and His strength; seek His face continually [to be in His presence]. 1 Chr. 16:11 AMP
Thus, building and maintaining a relationship with the Lord is a doing. If we don’t act, it will be our undoing. And it will happen from time to time. You know when that is: when we fall short in our obedience to Him. But even then, Jehovah tells us what to do to get back in right relationship with Him:
If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin… 2 Chr. 7:14 NKJV
You see that! Humble, pray, seek and turn – all verbs, words of action!
We need to stay motivated to take the initiative. How? By keeping our focus on the vital benefits that we receive from being related to our Creator – like love, peace, abundance, joy and freedom, for now and all eternity:
Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts. Ps. 119:2 NLT
I will walk in freedom, for I have devoted myself to your commandments. Ps. 119:45 NLT
“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.” Mt. 7:7 NLT
Even love is a doing:
Let everything you do be done in love (true love to God and man as inspired by God’s love for us). 1 Cor. 16:14 AMP
And God loves a doer:
But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. Jas. 1:22 NASB
Take action. Stay tuned for part 3…
Goodnight and God bless.