2004-09-26 Communion Dedication - Baldwin Christian Church

Proverbs 18:13 He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.

It's true. At the very instant I reach a conclusion about something, it comes pouring out of my mouth. Even before I've heard the whole question, the whole story, or even half a sentence, my foolish pride hits that big "game show button" in my mind, and a hastily-formed opinion immediately comes pouring out across my lips, or I jump to a conclusion about something or somebody.

It's a shame, and I am a fool. I should have kept my mouth shut until all the facts were in, because the truth sure made me look like a fool. There are two sides to every argument. If I take sides without knowledge of the truth, my integrity goes right out the window, or worse yet, I may give bad advice that ends up hurting somebody.

Whenever I speak without knowledge, it illustrates, it expresses, and it gives the very best evidence of my self-conceit. When I hastily offer my opinion about things of which I'm ignorant, or when I eagerly pass on a bit of gossip, it's proof that I'm wise only in my own conceit, and there's more hope for a fool than for me (Pro 26:12).

Proverbs 19:2 Also, that the soul be without knowledge, it is not good; and he that hasteth with his feet sinneth.

It is good for us to be here today seeking knowledge, wisdom, and spiritual understanding. These things are precious. They keep me from going off "half-cocked," from rushing into something without thinking about it, whether it be a decision about business, family, or even things as simple as what the next words out of my mouth will be. When I neglect to pursue the knowledge, wisdom and spiritual understanding found in these pages, all manner of evil can go unchecked in my life, and my path gets crooked.

Proverbs 20:15 There is gold, and a multitude of rubies: but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel.

A mountain of gold and rubies cannot compare to the beauty of a precious jewel. When it receives the light (the truth), it reflects, it shines and it sparkles the light in every direction (like lips that pour out the precious beauty of truth and sound knowledge).

How do these verses relate to communion, to remembrance of our Lord Jesus? Remember how many times people opened up their mouth toward Him with vain conceit. Remember how He didn't lord their folly over them. Remember His gentle reproof. Remember His longsuffering, His patience, and His humble obedience.

This life we've been given, these relationships, our interactions; it's not a game show. There are no showcase prizes or "lovely parting gifts" for the fool. If I think I know the answer before I've heard the whole story, it's ok if I hit that "game show button" in my mind, but my lips should be prudent and refrain from movement until all the facts are in.

It's common sense if you think about it; When I think something through before I attempt to do it (even before opening my mouth about it), it gives me an advantage toward getting it done right. But on the other hand, if I rush right into things without thinking them through, I usually mess up a few times before I finally get it right. That's common sense.

It's uncommon sense when I understand that if I rush into something before I think about it, before I study on it, but most of all, before I pray about it, then I've vainly exalted my own wisdom above the One who gave it to me in the first place.

This is the time when we get reacquainted with knowledge, wisdom and power; through communion and hearing the Word of the Lord. It's one thing tor us to receive it, but it's another thing altogether for us to apply it in our lives, but Jesus did, and so should we.