I AM A LABORATORY FOR TRANSFORMATION ALCHEMY - Part 2
Where do I go to find knowledge? Do I seek out a wise mentor, a college professor, or an outstanding author? How about a course or a degree? And then, am I actually comfortable with entrusting my future to the opinions and guesses of men, even learned men who are worthy of my respect?
In my genuine search for knowledge, I eventually craved absolute truth - a plumb line providing crystal clear clarity and unmistakable definitions. My quest led me to the Bible and I learned that it made bold claims about being the source of knowledge, understanding and wisdom.
Read some of these claims for yourself:
Proverbs 2:6: For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
2 Timothy 3:16&17: All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.
2 Peter 1:3: His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through knowledge of Him who called us to His own glory and excellence.
Do you believe this? I do and my life is a living testimony!
In this series on transformation alchemy, I shared in my first blog how I gained INSPIRATION from Anne Ortlund. Anne introduced me to the idea that my mission in life is to move others toward the Savior, Jesus Christ, and then she instructed that I am to build on the foundation He provided with materials of gold, silver and precious stones.
When I looked further into Anne's reference to gold, silver and precious stones, I found even more significance. These materials are a reference to Paul's comments in 1Corinthians 3:10-15 about building appropriately so that my work survives testing by fire!
This is the Scripture that added KNOWLEDGE to my INSPIRATION:
10)Because of God''s special favor to me, I have laid a foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful. (11)For no one can lay any other foundation than the one we already have - Jesus Christ. (12)Now anyone who builds on that foundation may use gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. (13)But there is going to come a time of testing at the judgment day to see what kind of work each builder has done. Every one's work will be put through the fire to see whether or not it keeps its value. (14)If the work survives the fire, that builder will receive a reward. (15)But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builders themselves will be saved, but like someone escaping through a wall of flames.
Note: Works that survive testing by fire will be selfless acts for which I receive no reward here on earth. Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 6:1
INSPIRATION + KNOWLEDGE are elements of transformation alchemy and they move me toward permanent incremental change. They produce sanctification that works in me during my time here on earth. Each morning I can anticipate a new day, new mercies and new growth if I willingly participate.
The question remains and must be answered at the crossroads. Will I entrust my life and destiny to the opinions and guesses of others, or will I once again choose to rest in the KNOWLEDGE that the Word of God provides?
