Wisdom Proved Right!

Have you ever heard someone referred to as “Contrary Larry”. [Now let me quickly say, let’s not start any name calling.] They are the type of person to whom you might say, “Look at the blue sky” and they would respond, “No, it’s green.” It seems there are some people who are just never satisfied. Some people seem to continue to look for something to gripe about. The real danger of this disposition is that it can cause one to miss some good things as well as miss some vital truths of life, and in the process miss out on some of the greatest blessings! Jesus referred to some folks like that in the following way:

“(16) But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling to their playmates, (17) ‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’” ( Matthew 11:16-17 ESV)

Never satisfied. Never pleased. Maybe when the flute was played what they wanted was the dirge (the funeral song) and when the dirge was sung they wanted the flute. Whatever happened they wanted the opposite. They were just being contrary. Sounds kind of childish, doesn’t it! But why did Jesus bring up such an idea? Because it related to the view they had of John the Baptist and Himself. Note what Jesus went on to say:

“(18) For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘HE HAS A DEMON.’ (19) The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A GLUTTON AND A DRUNKARD, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.” ( Matthew 11:18-19 ESV)

The New Living Translation ends, “…But wisdom is shown to be right by what results from it.” Because these would not accept the testimony of John the Baptist they decided he was out of his mind since he did not join in the feasting with others. Then in their unwillingness to accept Jesus they called Him a glutton and a drunkard because He did feast with others. It didn't really matter which way the action went just as long as it gave them reason to reject these two messengers of God.

However, Jesus pointed out how wisdom is shown or proved right by her actions. He was a friend to those who would accept Him and respond to the message. He touched those who needed it most. Jesus, the One who could have been a part of the most elite group there was did not choose to spend His days with the elite (though He did spend time with them too), but rather most of his time with those who were in need of the greatest compassion and mercy.

Maybe some of the leaders of that day were contrary because they had not truly grown up in their faith. When Jesus said we need to be like little children ( Matthew 18:3) contrariness was not one of the characteristics He wanted us to take on. May our heart continue to be open to the proof of Jesus and the truth of His Word so that we are not contrary in response to it. Accept it as it is and accept Him as He is. If there are people around us who are contrary, bear in mind we may not be able to ever please them -- but wisdom will be proved right by her actions. Keep doing the right things the Lord desires us to do. The only thing we have to prove is that we are going to be true to His way.

Have a great day ALLOWING GOD’S WISDOM TO BE SEEN IN YOUR ACTIONS!
Carl

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[This focus was originally sent 07/12/1998, (Edited some and the passages have been changed to ESV)]

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