Proverbs 1:2. To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight,
Solomon wants his kids to know wisdom AND instruction. Yesterday we learned that wisdom is skill in living. To add to this definition, we might say that wisdom is learning to navigate the complexities of life. Solomon will add instruction to wisdom. But what is instruction?
Instruction means training with discipline. Likely you have experienced this throughout your life in many ways. A coach. A personal trainer. A teacher. A drill sergeant. A boss.
We all know that instruction with discipline is good for us. When we do things that are hard for us we learn to not give up, to work hard, to be patient with ourselves (and others), and to keep trying. We learn what kind of person we are inside.
This is why God will often ask us to do very hard things. Not to punish us, but to train us. In fact, training is God’s primary way of sanctifying us. Wisdom is not about trying, it’s about training. Training to have skill in navigating the complexities of life.
Ask yourself Christian, is my life characterized primarily by trying to obey God, or by training to follow Christ. Jesus doesn’t want us to live a life of trying harder and harder – that’s the old, dead self-life being propped up. It’s the flesh, not the Spirit. Jesus wants us to train ourselves in the godliness of being like him by first trusting him. Yes, such training requires instruction. Instruction in Christ himself. Instruction in how to live not just FOR Christ, but FROM Christ.
In Christ: How much do you know about your identity in Christ?
Christ in you: Is Christ regularly instructing you according to his life? In what ways?
Pray: Father, your instruction for me is Christ. Jesus, I want to know you more this year than ever before. Amen.
To Live is Christ 