The Attributes of God

Derek Staples Jan 24, 2012

“Thus says the LORD: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD.” – Jeremiah 9:23-24

What do you want people to admire most about you as you begin a new year? In our carnal flesh, we tend to admire certain things about others: wisdom, power, and riches. Yet, the Lord tells Jeremiah that a spiritual knowledge of Him is the greatest need of every human being. God puts a higher emphasis and priority on knowing Him above all else. God desires that we live a life that reflects His righteousness, His justice, and His steadfast love.

To know the Father is to be the greatest passion and pursuit of our lives. My prayer is that we pursue God at all cost in 2012; that we lay aside all things fleshly and petty, that our year-long pursuit will lead us to a deeper know of Him and, as a result, greater devotion to Him.

Our desire in seeking a greater knowledge of God is not simply knowledge for knowledge sake. Remember, Paul said, “While knowledge makes us feel important, it is love that strengthens the church” (I Cor. 8: 1). Knowledge can make us feel good and look good, but the end result may be spiritual arrogance. And we know that spiritually arrogant people are not fun to be around.

James said, “If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom” (James 3:13). Our desire must be to grow in an understanding of the One who loved us when we did not love Him at all! So, let’s take a journey of discovery together. Let’s be reminded of the greatness, majesty,

sovereignty and glory of our Heavenly Father. And let’s pray that the journey will lead us to grow in grace, to love the saints, and to reflect Him to the world in 2012.

Derek