Have you Missed the Understanding?

‘Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers; that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: the eyes of your UNDERSTANDING being ENLIGHTENED; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also that which is to come: and hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.' (Ephesians 1:15-23)

'This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, having THE UNDERSTANDING darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.' (Ephesians 4:17-19)

'And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us AN UNDERSTANDING, that we may know him that is true, and we are in that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life,' (1 John 5:20)

What understanding did Paul and John discuss that we need enlightened by? Even the testimony of God's Son, Jesus Christ.

'If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son.' (1 John 5:9)

Ask God for wisdom in THE UNDERSTANDING! He will surely answer in the witness which He hath testified of His Son.

If not Gain, then what is Godliness?

‘If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; he is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with contentment is great gain.'

(1 Timothy 6:3-6)

'Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, "The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity." But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.' (2 Timothy 2:19-21)

Godliness is willing consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the doctrine which is according to godliness: the word of His testimony. Salutary, a synonym of wholesome, describes something corrective or beneficially effective, even though it may in itself be unpleasant. Gainsaying promotes other than wholesome words.

Strife: When my Striving misses the Strait Gate

‘And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem. Then said one unto him, "Lord, are there few that be saved?" And he said unto them, "Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say to you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, 'Lord, Lord, open unto us'; and he shall answer and say unto you, 'I know you not whence ye are': Then shall ye begin to say, 'We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.' But he shall say, 'I tell you, I know you not whence ye are: depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.' " '(Luke 13:22-27 KJV)


strife: a bitter sometimes violent conflict or dissension; an act of contention; exertion or
contention for superiority

strive: to devote serious effort or energy; endeavor

Therefore, I have missed the strait gate when I recognize that my striving makes me bitter, violent, exerted toward superiority.

'Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.' (James 4:7-10 KJV)