A BODY OUGHTA KNOW

 

A BODY OUGHTA KNOW

 

Colossians 2:2-4 … that their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and to all riches of the full assurance of the understanding, to the full knowledge of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ; in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. And I say this that not anyone should beguile you with enticing words.

 

  Though I can’t remember the last time I heard it, “A body ought to know …” was another cultural saying I grew up with. (For those of you never exposed to Far Eastern dialogue, it speaks of knowledge necessary to get along in life.)

  Another was “There oughta be a law!” but I’ll say no more on it because in the ensuing decades our elected legislators and unelected bureaucrats enacted in spades.

  There are many things we do need to know to live well.

  Though not necessarily essential to everyone, here’s an example: During the early months of WWII 12,000 military were killed. During that same time period over 6,400 USA civilians lost their lives working in armament factories. A fact that may or may not make a difference in our life.

  There is however information that is essential to live beyond temporal plodding.

  King Solomon pointed this indispensable life-truth out: “The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel; to know wisdom and instruction; to recognize the words of understanding; to receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and uprightness; to give sense to the simple, knowledge and judgment to the young man; the wise hears and increases learning; and understanding ones get wisdom; to understand a proverb and its meaning; the words of the wise, and their acute sayings. The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of knowledge; but fools despise wisdom and instruction. My son, hear the instruction of your father, and forsake not the law of your mother; for they shall be an ornament of grace to your head and chains around your neck.” (Pr.1:1-9)

  For the Christian disciple of Christ, how is this implemented?

  First, by regular reading and studying what Jehovah God says in His Word, the Bible: “Study earnestly to present yourself approved to God, a workman that does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth. But shun profane, vain babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. … All Scripture is God-breathed, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfected, thoroughly furnished to every good work. (1Tim.2:15-16; 3:16-17)

  Secondly, living with a God’s Word life-view; meaning in every question, problem, pleasure, $$ management, choosing friends, selecting a spouse, work, challenge, desire, temptation, et al . . . we ask “What does God’s say on the matter?” and if we don’t know the answer we find out!

  Thirdly, knowing what God says on the matter, we do so.

  Hear James as he reminds: “Who is wise and knowing among you? Let him show his works by his good conduct with meekness of wisdom.” (Jam.3:13)

  Dear fellow sojourners, these are things a body definitely oughta know. 

EBB4