Prudence

Webster defines Prudence this way: the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason. 2: sagacity or shrewdness in the management of affairs. 3: skill and good judgment in the use of resources.

As Christians and having the Word of God we are therefore required to use prudence in accordance with the Word of God in all situations.

What is needed to be able to be prudent in all situations? Belief! I don’t mean you believe in God or you believe in Jesus.

The Bible says even the demons believe and they tremble. I mean Belief with understanding and wisdom. This is true Belief.

Note: Wisdom is the proper and beneficial application of knowledge.

If we understand and have the wisdom of the Word of God, it is far easier to be prudent in all situations. I have come to understand that the lack of true belief is the wall that hinders us the most.

We find ourselves in situations (often snares of the adversary) and in our lack of belief and understanding, we try and work through the problem instead of seeking the guidance and help of the Lord God.

From experience gained I can say it is more common amongst Christians in times of trouble and tribulation that we tend to first lean on our own understanding and address the issue in secular terms and not spiritual terms.

Because of our fleshly eyes and this confused world we live in, looking at any given situation from that point of view is the easy path.

The Scripture teaches us to “lean not on our own understanding”. We are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds! Remember this verse: But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33

The Bible teaches us that we are strangers here—aliens in a foreign world. We absolutely must keep this in mind! As a Christian, if in all situations I keep in the forefront of my mind that I do not belong here and that the teachings of the Word must be how I am to address every situation, then I am showing prudence in all things.

Our ability always depends on the depth of our belief. If we earnestly seek God first, then we will be much better cared for than if we approach matters from a worldly understanding.

Let us go back to the definition of “prudence“. The Word of God is our resource, our skill comes from our knowledge of the Word, and good judgment comes through wisdom.

This is having Prudence in our walk with the Lord. Through our trust in the Lord gained by understanding, we gain the ability to discipline and govern our actions and thoughts through the reasoning of the teachings of the Word.

I know, through the experience gained in my life, that what I am teaching is part of the hard path to the narrow gate. It is not easy to deny ourselves nor is it easy to remain in the renewed mind, but the more we are prudent in our practice of God’s teachings, the easier it becomes and the practice becomes habitual.

I think the first thing that should warn us in any given situation is if it appears easy then it comes with consequences and no benefit, but if it appears difficult then we will gain benefits and growth. The “easy way out” is never easy in the long run, and it often can show itself destructive.

Joshua 24:15, And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

Serving the gods of Egypt and the gods before the flood was the easy way out. Why? Because they were intentionally made up to serve the desires of man and to help a man to justify his actions, whereas God’s way is to Glorify Himself through the love and obedience of His children. In turn this purifies the soul of a man and makes him more Christ-like.

This is the Biblical proof that the easy way is the wide path that leads to destruction.

By serving ourself, bending to our selfish desire, we are truly serving a false God.

Be Prudent, brothers and sisters, in the teachings of God’s Word so that the world may see a glimpse of our Lord through us. And remain prudent that we may grow in Christ Jesus and be a credit to the Kingdom of Heaven through obedience in this life that was so graciously given to us.

Prudence in the Word is our just service to the Lord.

I pray this writing blesses you in understanding and renews your desire to serve. Amen

Kenneth Kellar
A Man Called by God to Teach and Disciple