Wisdom and Understanding

"Take my instruction and not silver, 

and knowledge rather than choicest gold. 

For wisdom is better than jewels; 

and all desirable things cannot compare with her."

Proverbs 8:10-11

As I was preparing myself to go to college three years ago, I asked the Lord to teach me what "the fear of the Lord" meant. A little bit at a time, He allowed me to experience moments that would lead me right into the fear of the Lord. However, what I learned was not what I expected. 

"The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; 

Pride and 

arrogance and 

the evil way and

 the perverted mouth, 

I hate."

Proverbs 8:13

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, 

and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."

Proverbs 9:10

Words like "wisdom", "understanding", and "knowledge" of the Holy One started to make sense. These weren't things I obtained by doing something (being in church, listening to sermons, raising my hands during worship, or even sharing my faith with others). God taught me that these were merely a result of my wisdom and understanding of Him.

As I begin to learn this lesson, I am struck with conviction and anger at how I  have been living my Christian life...often times with the wrong motivations...

Colossians.

Paul says a prayer for the church of Colossae, and he does not pray for good health, financial provision, or any blessings because of their faithfulness. No, he prays that:

"...you may be filled with the knowledge of His will 

in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 

so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, 

to please Him in all respects, 

bearing fruit in every good work 

and increasing in the knowledge of God; 

strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, 

for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience; 

joyously giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light."

Colossians 1:9-12

If I am truly seeking to live my life for the fear of the Lord then I believe, according to these pieces of Scripture, I need to be constantly seeking the Lord in order that I may grow in knowledge, wisdom, and understanding. Then, and only then, will I be able to glorify Him in EVERY area of my life.

"Therefore, 

if you have been raised up with Christ, 

keep seeking the things above, 

where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God."

Colossians 3:1

When I committed my life to Christ, there were certain areas that did not align with God's call for me as a believer. A few of these included the music I listened to, the movies I watched, and the way I dressed. So, in order to throw off the sin that so easily entangles, I cleared my iTunes, broke my CD's, changed my movie selections, and practically cleared out my closet.This was not an easy task, especially since my friends, who were not believers, still consumed this media. I was very encouraged by this Scripture, though:

"Do all things without grumbling or disputing; 

so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, 

children of God above reproach 

in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, 

among whom you appear as lights in the world."

Philippians 2:14-15

Now, I believe that how we live our lives says a lot about us as believers and whether or not we are continuing to "seek the things above". The way I live, and the way I look towards outsiders, will state my desire for the Lord. What is my reaction to hard situations in life? What is on my radio in the car? What movies are on my shelf? What am I wearing?

One of my recent passions has been a desire for modesty among Christian girls. If we are going to be "children of God above reproach" in this world, then one thing we NEED to do is stand out, not blend in, in the way we dress. 

"Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, 

but a woman who fears the Lord, 

she shall be praised."

Proverbs 31:30

In light of everything I have learned about fearing the Lord, I have realized that it is my job as a woman (and a woman who longs to one day become a wife and a mother) to be dedicating my life to growing in my knowledge of the Lord first and foremost, and as I do that I desire to not only protect the sanctity of my body for my future husband, but also to help out my brothers in Christ in their walk with the Lord. 

As Christian women, we have all heard this...multiple times, I know. However, have you heard what the guys are saying? The majority of what I have learned about real modesty has come directly from the mouths of the men:
"I have encountered nothing more difficult in life than to try to avoid looking at a woman who is dressed in a revealing way."

"It is so much easier to talk to a girl when we don't have to worry about looking at her inappropriately." -Junior High Boy

I am convinced that truly dressing modestly does not come from "appropriate" and "inappropriate", one way or the other, but rather from the fear of the Lord. 

Seeking to grow in our knowledge and wisdom of Him, and then letting that permeate how we dress.

Now ask yourself (and maybe even a friend, too): Are you seeking to grow towards a greater knowledge of our Lord every day? Are you intentional about protecting the life that God has given you, and using it in every way to reflect Him? When people see your life outside of church events, do they know that you are a child of God, a light to this world?

I challenge us to really think about this, and take action to change the things that we need to. With God's strength and courage, we can, and when we do, I believe He will grant us more than we can ask or imagine.

Jenna's Journal.