Jeremiah 9:23-24 says, “Thus says the Lord: Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches; but let him who glories glory in this, that he knows and understands me, that I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight, says the Lord.”
Today, I’d like to take a few minutes to explore this powerful verse of scripture with you. Before we take a look at what this verse does say, let’s be clear about what it does not say.
God tells the people who are wise, mighty or wealthy not to glory in these things. The Word of God does not say that these things are bad or wrong. It simply says do not glory in them. Some people think security comes from natural resources. In this particular scripture, God names wisdom, might and wealth.
Many spend a great deal of their lives seeking knowledge and education. Others spend hour after hour exercising and watching their diets, seeking to be healthy and strong. Still others exert themselves to extremes, seeking to be wealthy.
I’m not only referring to people of the world, but many Christians are doing the same thing. Can you imagine what the Body of Christ would be like today, if people sought after the things of God the same way they seek after worldly wisdom, might and wealth?
It is important for us to understand that these things are not wrong. They are not bad. God actually wants us to have wisdom, might, wealth and more!
But what this scripture is saying is that we should not glory in these things. We as Christians cannot take our security from them. We cannot judge ourselves by our level of earthly wisdom, might or wealth. The only thing a Christian can use to measure himself is the Word of God.
God tells us that if we are going to glory in anything, then let us glory in our relationship with Him. The main thing that we should be secure in is our knowledge and understanding of God.
Things can happen to our wisdom, our might or wealth. Situations can sometimes change overnight, and all of these temporal things can be lost. But through our relationship with God, He restores us.
God wants you to know Him. Of course He knows who you are. He knows all about you. But that’s not enough! He also wants you to know HIM! He wants to be known by YOU!
The most important skill that anyone could ever develop is his or her ability to pray. Wisdom, might and wealth all have their rightful place in our lives, but there is something more important.
There are times when our ability to talk to God and our sensitivity to His voice is the only thing that is going to solve our problem. The highest goal any human could ever attain is to know God. Look at Moses and David. Moses talked with God face to face. David was a man after God’s own heart. These men were able to accomplish great feats in their lifetime.
The truest measure of a person’s success is their level of intimacy with God.
So, take a few moments out of your day today. Get alone with God. He wants to reveal Himself to you.
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Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of eight books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.