21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, Romans 1:21-22 (KJV)
10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; Psalm 111:10 (NIV)
Abstract Light Dots by Vera Kratochvil
Wise Man, Foolish Man
The book of Romans has timeless, practical instructions for living the Christian life. Romans 1:21-22 tells us that a worldly imagination can play tricks on your mind: It can tell you that you are wise, when in reality you are anything but. This is because the world outside of Christ has standards for wisdom that are contrary to the ways and will of God. When you base your actions on worldly standards, you put yourself in a conflicting position where the world is telling you that you are wise, but in the eyes of the Lord (which are the only eyes that matter), you are a fool.
A Wise Man Has Clear Thinking
So what is a wise man, and what makes a foolish man? The word “wise” as it is used in verse 22, means “clarity.” That means that you know how to distinguish between truth and falsehood, and can choose right over wrong things. Psalm 111:10 tells us that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, so being in a right relationship with Almighty God through His Son Jesus Christ is the first step in being wise. Ignoring the reality of the one true God will close the doors of wisdom to your mind.
Christians Should Live as Salt & Light in the World
Getting access to the wisdom of God through prayer and meditating on the Word of God helps us to make wise choices that are “salt and light” in all areas of our lives. In Matthew 5:13-16 (NIV) Jesus said:
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
Christians should also shine as lights in the world. In Matthew 5:14-16 Jesus said:
14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.
15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
What It Means to Be Salt & Light
Light gives clarity (wisdom is clarity), and salt gives seasoning, and savor. Salt also preserves, cleanses, and enhances the flavor of food. People love salt because it makes their food more savory. This brings us to the meaning of “fool.” The word “fool” as used in verse 22 means “to become a fool, make foolish, to lose savour.” One would be hard pressed to say that fools have clarity about anything. A fool also lost his/ her “savour.” Fools do not preserve, enhance, or add value to their environments.
When you refuse to yield your life to Christ, and when you step away from applying the truth of God in you daily life, you lose clarity (cease to be wise) and lose your savour (become a fool). In other words, you lose your ability to positively impact your world for the Kingdom of God.
Have you made any decisions today? Were they wise or foolish? Looking back on some of your bad decisions and actions: How did you get there? Whose standards did you apply? What are some of the ways you can be salt and light in your world right now?
Be wise everyday. Fear God, learn of God, walk with God, and live a life that is salt and light in the world.
Until we meet again: “Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!” (Ephesians 6:10).
– Verneda
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