Day 24 : The knowledge of God

Paul continues in Phil. 1: 9-11 : "... knowledge and understanding to discern the best things."

This knowledge is not in the first place an intellectual knowledge, since it inflates us with pride, but above all a knowledge of the heart of God. In Proverbs 9:10 it is written, "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." Someone with very little education, who barely knows how to read and write, can nevertheless be very intelligent in the eyes of God because he fears God and his Word. David says in Psalm 119: 104 : "By your ordinances I become clever."

This knowledge is therefore linked to intelligence, hence the fact that Paul associates them. For 'intelligence', it is also translated by: tact refined, a true sensitivity. There is a sequel, an ancestry in this prayer. When our love increases by the knowledge of God, automatically we will have more tact towards others, and true sensitivity for the weaknesses of others (and our own !). Often we are so full of ourselves that we become incapable of associating ourselves with the real needs of others. Human beings are vulnerable. It is easy to hurt someone, by a skid of our tongue, but it is more difficult to wound the wound !

Especially men in positions of authority (and each married man has a position of authority, vis-a-vis his wife, and his children) can sometimes have more impact with their words than they realize And do more harm than they think ! That is why it is such a good prayer that "our love grows more and more in knowledge and in full understanding".

Paul continues : "... for the discernment of the best things." Other translations for 'the best things' give : what is important. Obviously, we can add to the eyes of God. We can sometimes think that some things are the best, but this may prove not to be very important in God's eyes. We need to know what is important in the eyes of God, and have our priorities in our lives.

It is only by having love that we can have true sensitivity, and it is only by having this true sensibility that we are able to discern the things that are really important in the eyes of God !

What is important to us ? Jesus says that where our treasure is found is also our heart. (Luke 12:34) Do we have this discernment of knowing what is important, and what is not really important ? We must pray for that ! Do you see how meaningful Paul's prayers really are ?

Tomorrow we will continue a little with this important prayer.

"Lord, help me to discern what things are really important to you, give me your intelligence to discern your heart and your thoughts! In the name of Jesus, amen!"

René de Groot