With A Little Understanding!

The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for receiving instruction in prudent behavior, doing what is right and just and fair; for giving prudence to those who are simple, knowledge and discretion to the young— let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance—for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise. The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. Proverbs 1:1-7 NIV

When people dismiss the value of a quality education, it usually means they think they are superior to others and don’t want the competition. We see that trait in what is happening in the White House.

In spite of their “level of education,” they lack understanding and knowledge and experience to even be in the White House–from the top to the bottom.

What’s needed in order to get “a little understanding” is the following:

• Background knowledge of the party a person claims to represent in politics.
• Knowledge of how government works (read a good civics book or find a version of Schoolhouse Rock for those who are functionally illiterate).
• An intense inquisitiveness to understand various cultures and their needs (visit museums, watch documentaries that illustrate the complexities of life on earth and the importance of appropriate interactions with others, spend time reading in libraries and not just “favorite” books).
• Having a capacity for demonstrating compassion and empathy without launching missiles at those one might dislike.
• Realizing that the world evolves and will not stand still simply because one lacks understanding of how things are done and that there is more than one perception about every issue.
• Understanding of who Christ is and all He represents (read a bible)
• Making sure one’s physical and mental capacities are functioning optimally.

 

People shouldn’t be “too hard” on Sean Spicer for after all, he simply doing his master’s bidding. He is simply a parroting buttwipe–repeating what he’s told to say. So, not only does he need to visit the Holocaust Museum, they all need to visit every museum on the mall and beyond to get a better understanding of people and what governing people from all walks of life–really means.

Perhaps, someone should arrange a “walking tour” for everyone in the White House so they get obtain  a little understanding of what it means to be there.

But perhaps, my thoughts are simply fantasy–just a dream that we’d actually have people in the White House who know what they’re doing and why. Did I say dream–more like a nightmare from which I hope we’ll wake up soon.

What I’ve learned from living is that there is so much that I don’t know that I can appreciate learning something new–everyday. I look for opportunity to learn something knew, never completely satisfied with what I already know.

But then, I trust in The Word of God–“Wisdom is the principle thing and with all of your getting, get understanding.” If we get beyond thinking we know all there is to know, we’d be surprised at how much there is to learn–on a daily basis.

How much better would our lives be with a little understanding about self, others, and the world around us!

 

 

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When God Calls!

“Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world’s eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you.” (I Corinthians 1:26 NLT)

What a sobering revelation to know that the world–those who knew us and some who didn’t–considered our calling into the ministry of the Gospel–foolishness!

Re-reading this passage of scripture this morning, reminded me of the reaction of people when I informed them that God had spoken to my heart and told me to “teach His Word!” Very few people who knew me, believed me (they were stuck on my past life) and many thought I had just lost my mind (they thought I read too much). There were even a few who told me flat out, “My pastor said, God don’t call no women to preach!” This came from men and women who professed to be Christians.

While I struggled with understanding this calling into ministry, I also leaned on The Word and was in constant prayer. One of the first things I did was to tell God, “If You want me to teach Your Word, then You’re going to have to teach it to me.”

I headed for the main library in our city because I knew it held a large religious section. I pulled information from book after book after book. I purchased books about Jewish history and studied the illustrations that were available of how people dressed, the culture of family, and worship. During a commercial advertising a center for Bible Study, I recognized God’s leading me to see it and went to the school.  I refused to try to tell anybody anything that I didn’t understand about the Bible.

On Father’s Day, nine months after I knew I had heard God’s instructions to me, I delivered my first message and people received it. Their positive response to what was said, gave me the confidence I needed to continue to discover all I could and I am still seeking knowledge because I realize that no matter how I live, I will never know it all.

Over twenty-five years later, there are still people who are skeptical about God’s calling me (and many others) into ministry. There are still some people who refuse to understand that God is not concerned about what we know, but our willingness to obey Him. It is He who qualifies those whom He calls. It is He who speaks to others who are in a position to confirm and recognize the calling on our lives. It is He who leads us to get the recognition and certification (ordinations) needed to operate according to the church and state protocols. It is He who has the first and last Word about what He wants us to do and say!

When God calls us to do something, we have no need to worry about what others will say. When God calls us into ministry, and we follow His directions–everything works together for our good and for the good of the people. When people call people into ministry–they are out of order and where there is no order–chaos reigns!

Now while there may still be those who consider me foolish and unwise–they say–God knows who I am and what I am capable of doing because it is Him, still molding and shaping, me to do His Will. Hallelujah!