Don't Lean on Your Own Understanding
Dear Friends,
What don’t I know? That’s a bigger question than it seems at first blush. I think I’m a pretty smart guy in a lot of ways, just as I’m sure you feel you’re an intelligent, thoughtful person, too. But what I’ve come to realize is that even if I think I know a lot, what I don’t know is so much more!
I don’t know what will happen later today, or tomorrow or next week. I don’t know what fills my wife’s and my childrens’ thoughts, even though they are the people I am closest to in the whole world. I don’t know why seemingly bad things happen to good people. And I certainly don’t know enough about anyone else’s life experiences to “qualify” me to judge them or their actions. Only God knows all those things… so what I don’t know is a lot!
Understanding is defined as “personal interpretation.” So, if there is so much that I don’t know, my personal interpretation would be an unreliable way to make sense of so many of life’s situations. If I relied solely on my understanding to direct all my thoughts and actions, I would certainly stumble because I don’t have all the information to make the right decision in every situation and in response to every challenge. Human knowledge and wisdom can only get me so far.
Now, that’s not to say that we shouldn’t use our minds. The Father gave us minds so that we can better know and understand Him. Yet, we must never fall into the trap of thinking that because He gave us a mind, our thinking is infallible. How we see things is filtered through the lens of our personal experiences and subjective understanding. Yes, we should use our minds to make decisions and even plan for the future, but we should also remember that God is in control and our best laid plans will be adjusted according to His greater Plan.
Leaning not on ourselves but on the God is an expression of our confidence in the certainty of His future fulfillment of my life. That’s why trust and faith go hand in hand. In difficult times, financial struggles or health problems, it is not always easy to trust, but through faith we remember that God can be trusted, and has proven His love for us time and time again.
We do not need to spend hours analyzing all the possibilities or potential outcomes. We do not need to analyze and figure out every detail. We do not need to make plans with the thought that they are set in stone. We do need to rely on God's wisdom, love and strength to show us the way along the path He has set for our life. And that means we can release anxiety and worry.
Have you learned how to intentionally rely on God’s understanding, rather than your own? How has it benefited your life and your practice? Share your story and inspire others.
Blessings,
Ron
Ron I couldn't agree more. As I look back on my years in financial services I can see now He was directing my path every step of the way. Even when I was convinced I wouldn't like financial planning now here I am 35 years later and still loving helping people make stewardship decisions. God's wisdom is worth waiting for - yes often waiting for His answer is the hardest part for me.
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Thanks, Ron. This reminds me of Proverbs 26.12: "Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him."
I think this concept is especially useful in our industry, where our clients sometimes look to us to have all the answers all the time. There's great freedom in being able to admit what we don't know.
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Ron
Thank you so much for this article, This sin is one we are all guilty of (judging others) when we don't know all the circumstances. Thank you so much for this truth reminder.
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