Colossians 1:9 For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding.
“Spiritual Understanding” is perceiving the sovereignty of God over the reality of the world. It is looking at a situation through the eyes of God and understanding the ways of God through His Word. Lack of spiritual understanding will result in defeat, disgrace and dishonour.
After an incredible victory at Jericho the children of Israel suffered shame and defeat at a small city named Ai. Jericho was a large formidable city with massive walls but Ai was a small city inhabited by few men. Yet, they were shamefully driven out and suffered defeat. Then Joshua tore his clothes and fell facedown to the ground before the ark of the Lord, remaining there till evening (Joshua 7:6). Joshua refused to leave God’s presence until he understood the reason for the disgrace. Because he humbled himself in fasting and prayer the Lord gave him a word of knowledge that there was sin in the camp.
The triumphant hand of the Lord cannot give us victory when there is unconfessed sin in our domain. Defeat and disgrace follow desecration. Spiritual understanding will enlighten the eyes of our heart to see where we have missed God’s commands. Once the Lord reveals our errors it is important to repent, renew our minds and recommit our hearts to walk in the fear of the Lord. If you hide your sins, you will not succeed. If you confess and reject them, you will receive mercy (Proverbs 28:13). Correction, consecration and commitment to walk in the fear of the Lord will turn the humiliation into honour.
Self-examination will illuminate our soul with spiritual understanding.
Spiritual Understanding:
- Defeat: When we face a defeat instead of a promised victory, we must check our heart. A hidden selfish motive, pride, or offence can become the desecration that leads to defeat.
- Disgrace: Suffering persecution for preaching the gospel and for His Name’s sake is an honour but disgrace follows a haughty spirit.
- Dishonour: Dishonour is often the result of careless comments, contemptuous speech or corrupt reactions.
“Repentance will reverse the reprimand”.
Prayer: Dearest Lord, empower me with spiritual understanding to walk in truth and integrity. Amen
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