DCLM Daily Manna 25 January 2021 – Insight Versus Upsight
Topic: Insight Versus Upsight
Text: Proverbs 3:1-12 (KJV)
1 My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments:
2 For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee.
3 Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:
4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
7 Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.
8 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.
9 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:
10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.
11 My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction:
12 For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
Key Verse: “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5).
MESSAGE:
Albert Einstein was about the greatest scientist of the 20th century. He developed the theory of relativity and some other breakthroughs that form the foundation of modern physics. It is said that within seven and a half hours of his death on 18th April, 1955, his brain was removed for research. It would have been thought that a man of such rare insight would be engrossed in his ability but here is one of his confessions, “Before God, we are all equally wise and equally foolish”. He acknowledged the futility of fully relying on our insight and not upsight.
Long before Einstein, wise King Solomon made a stronger point about the matter. He made excellent recommendations for living a fulfilling, safe, healthy and eternally rewarding life. First is hearty obedience to God’s word. No one can live contrary to God’s precepts and hope to land on safe shore in and after this life. Another blessed attitude is to wholeheartedly trust in God’s promises and providence and not in carnal confidence. In all our ways, we must acknowledge our need of God’s help and guidance.
There is a human tendency to become “wise in thine own eyes,” especially when you have got the privilege of education, exposure or certain expertise. But these are not enough to help anyone navigate the murky waters of life, let alone take anyone to heaven. Self-conceit is delusive and dangerous. Apostle Paul ran a futile race on this track until he encountered Christ. By divine inspiration and from hindsight, he also warned, “Be not wise in your own conceits” (Romans 12:16). These godly attitudes, coupled with the fear of God and abstinence from evil attract God’s blessings.
What is God’s input in the plans you make? How much time do you spare to seek His face to know His specific will for your life? Your insight is limited; rely more on upsight.
Thought For The Day: The best of us can only guess about tomorrow, but God knows its details.
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
