Intelligence, What is it Really?

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Why do intelligent people find it so difficult to discover who they are, where they belong, and what they are supposed to do?

I think that this is an interestingly posed question. Throughout history intelligence has been measured by how knowledgeable or wise a person is about earthly matters. We have developed the intelligence quotient, which is a score we derive by having and individual take several tests which are designed to assess their intelligence. Heck, I work for a group that is call Business Intelligence. I feel when everyone answers this question, that they will be answering it from the view point of what they deem to be earthly intelligence. Our definition of Intelligence is also based on what we as humans have actually discovered. Because of science and hypothesis, which we take as intelligence, our view of things in the world have been skewed to trust science and the tangible.

I would like to come at this question by redefining what I believe intelligence is to God, and using God's Word to show why what we deem to be intelligence creates such a gap to what God deems to be truth and intelligence.

Last weeks verse that we memorized, John 8:30 was a great verse. What I believe we missed was reading on to John 8:31. John 8:30-31 says,30 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 31and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." So often, we as humans think we are smarter or know the truth better than we really do. At today's debates, it is hard to differentiate between what is truth and what is not. They have actually hired Fact Checkers to follow up after debates to help keep us informed. Imagine, as intelligent beings, if we were in a debate with God. What we deem to be truth would need to be followed up by a Fact Checker. But, if we read God's Word and abide by what Jesus Christ says, the Bible is the only Fact Checker we need. That is intelligence, and that is truth.

Another verse that speaks well to this intelligence definition is Proverbs 3:77 Be not wisein your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.

This verse truly answers the question above for me. We think we are wise, especially in our own eyes. We have defined it as IQ, we have created business positions for intelligence, we make "wise" choices. All of this, because we are a proud nation/people that "know". Because of this, we do NOT receive healing to our flesh nor refreshment to our bones.

It is because we think we are intelligent and are knowledgeable that makes it so hard to figure out what we need to do. If we abide by the truths of God and His son Jesus Christ, that is when we will see what God has in store for us.

Dear Heavenly Father, Open my eyes and heart to your truths. When making decisions in my life, direct me to Your word. Direct me to Your wise council. Help me to not measure my intelligence in my own eyes and rely upon you to prophecy through my heart through Your words and not mine.

Gods Peace and Love,

Joshua Gamradt