The Struggle Between God’s Intellect Vs Human Intellect

God is not against us acquiring knowledge. In fact he himself said in the bible, “My people are destroyed because of their lack of knowledge.”

But he would not have us put “knowledge” before “life”. Man would not have lost paradise if he had chosen to eat of the tree of life rather than the tree of knowledge. Human knowledge without divine life is deadly. True wisdom comes as a result of walking in the fear of God.

We are to use our common sense and acquired knowledge in making decisions for the routine matters of life. But when we are to find God’s will for major issues, too much of reasoning may infact be harmful. As the Lord says, ” My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the Lord. ” There’s nothing wrong in analysing matters and discussing issues. This exercise does help us to define the problem precisely and to focus on the question sharply. But we must not stay too long in the valley of decision with our mental faculties alone. Sense knowledge is inadequate to comprehend God’s ways. We walk by faith, not by sight or senses. Only then we can be well pleasing to the Lord in all our ways.

We don’t obey and go even if God tells us where to go. But Abraham obeyed and went out ” not knowing where he was going. ” Following our own wisdom is risky; but trusting God for the unknown is safe. Those who would not move until they have all the facts and details are not fit for God’s army. It is said that, ” The soldiers of the cross are heroes of the faith “. They know who leads them. They are not bothered about where and what. Although the Bible states that there is safety in having several counsellors and admonishes us to exhort one another frequently, over-consultation with people may confuse us. When we know for sure that the Lord has spoken us in the spirit and it is in agreement with the scriptures, we must settle the matter then and there only.

At last let us look at the life of Jesus. He valued the company of his friends and fellowship of his disciples genuinely. But he stayed sensitive to discern when their counsel and advice came in the way of obeying his Father’s will. We know how he sharply rebuked Peter for acting as a stumbling block in the way of the cross. Jesus identified the clash between human and divine thoughts. When we primarily consult the people of the world and not God for making decisions, he views it quite seriously.

” The foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. “

Amen..