Walking with God is the believers’ journey, and we are called to continually seek the depths of understanding of His ways, truths, and character. This pursuit of higher understanding leads to and a closer relationship with God and a sense of awe and wonder about Him that makes life such a rich experience. Let’s explore the significance of ascending to a higher understanding with God.
The Call to Seek Wisdom and Understanding
Believers are commanded to seek wisdom and understanding as they walk with God. Proverbs 4:7 ESV states, “Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight. Prize her highly, and she will exalt you.” So how do we get wisdom? We learn in Proverbs 2:6 ESV “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright.” It is not enough to just know God’s word; we must apply God’s word in our lives for it to be at work in us. It must change our behavior. James 1:22 ESV says, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”
The Call to Grow in the Knowledge of God
Believers are to pursue a higher understanding with God as they journey through life and develop a deeper understanding of His character, will, and purpose for their life. 2 Peter 3:18 ESV states that we are to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” How do we grow in grace and knowledge? Through prayer, studying the word of God and meditating on His word. Believers develop a deeper relationship with God through this intimate understanding of His nature: Love.
The Call to Transform the Mind
If we want to ascend to a higher understanding with God, it involves transforming the mind—a process by which believers come out of agreement with the lies of the enemy and into agreement with the truth of God. Romans 12:2 ESV says “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers can discern God’s will and live in according to His purpose.
The Call to Embrace Spiritual Enlightenment
As believers ascend to a higher understanding with God, they will experience a deeper awareness of God’s presence, His truth, and His guidance in their lives. The apostle Paul says in Ephesians 1:17-18 ESV, “the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints”.
The Call to Trust God’s Guidance
God requires us to trust in His guidance and leading. Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” As believers surrender their own ways of thinking and submit to God’s ways, they are led into deeper intimacy with Him and greater alignment with His purposes for their lives instead of their own desires.
The Call to Pursue Spiritual Discernment
Pursuing spiritual discernment is key to following God. Spiritual discernment is the ability to determine truth from lies, light from darkness and righteousness from unrighteousness. It says in Hebrews 5:14 ESV that “solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.”
Believers are to pray, study the word of God and rely on the Holy Spirit to guide them. Only by staying connected to the Lord daily can believers develop the spiritual discernment to make choices that are honoring to God.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ascending to a higher understanding with God is a journey that leads believers into deeper intimacy with God and a greater alignment with His purposes. By following the calls to seek wisdom and understanding, grow in the knowledge of God, transform the mind, embrace spiritual enlightenment, trust in God’s guidance, and pursue spiritual discernment, believers can ascend to new heights in their relationship with God and experience the abundant life He has promised. May we, as believers, continue to press on toward a higher understanding with God, knowing that He who began a good work in us will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6, ESV).
By Angela Aberle
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