“But wisdom is shown to be right by the lives of those who follow it” (Luke 7:35, NLT).
How do you know if God’s wisdom is right? You try it out.
These words from Jesus recently helped me realize the importance of experiencing God through following the wisdom of God’s way. Church doctrines may help us identify a community of believers to fellowship with, but practicing “the way” that God wants us to live is far more important. The correctness of what God says is found in doing it.
Ellen White knew this truth to be essential when she said, “The strongest argument in favor of the gospel is a loving and lovable Christian” (Ministry of Healing, 275). This is a call to demonstrate.
My dad and I were baptized together during my senior year of high school. After having multiple visits by my pastor in Vancouver, Washington, my dad asked me why I was hesitant to be baptized. Dad furthered the conversation by asking, “If your mom and pastor believe you are ready to be baptized, why don’t you act on their invitation?” “Because I am waiting for you to join me,” I replied.
After additional Bible studies, my dad publicly took his stand and joined me in renewing his childhood faith and officially joining our Adventist church. Once he became a member, he served as Sabbath School Youth Director, Pathfinder Director, Head Elder, and Ingathering Leader. What a life of service!
I asked him later in life why he made this renewed decision to follow Jesus. He responded quickly by saying it was the kindness and patience of mom and my witness in paying my tithe on the money I earned as a kid picking strawberries. In my dad’s mind, paying tithe on such small amounts of money demonstrated the seriousness of my decision to follow the teachings of Jesus.
Why is it so important for Christians to demonstrate the values of God’s kingdom?
First, it makes God and God’s ways appear attractive. God loves people, wants justice to prevail, and is thrilled when God’s ways are represented in a manner that leads others to be interested in exploring those ways as well.
Second, living by God’s values makes me a better person. I experience the blessings that can come from obeying God’s will. I have meaning and purpose in my life. I feel that I am making a difference in my neighborhood and family.
Third, it helps others in meaningful ways. My neighbors feel less lonely and they witness the fruits of living God’s way in my life. Hopefully this leads to interest in learning more about the wisdom of God’s ways and teachings.
“Taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8). God’s wish is that I experience the benefits of being a follower of Jesus. I find that it makes the Bible more relevant when I read it with an eye towards how to live, not just what to believe.
As Derek Webb stated, “If whatever you’re believing isn’t making you kind, I’m not interested.” Our neighbors are more interested in a demonstration of kindness than my knowledge of the Bible.
This is a word from God that gives me life and energy in my walk with Jesus. Continue with me in this demonstration of love, kindness, and justice.
Ed Boyatt is a retired pastor, teacher, and school administrator. He and his wife, Teri, enjoy time with their eight grandkids.