Intelligence Isn't Everything

For we also have had the good news proclaimed to us, just as they did; but the message they heard was of no value to them, because they did not share the faith of those who obeyed.

Hebrews 4:2 NIV

Reading comprehension is one of the latest issues of Filipinos in social media today. Why did I start my devotion with this?

While reading the full chapter of Hebrews 4, I had a problem with analyzing the thought that comes from it. Then I told my husband about this problem.  I was not able to comprehend easily. I was not able to grasp the meaning at once. He told me the book of Hebrews is about "faith," so with that, came my understanding about this chapter.

Having this issue in mind, verse 2 came to my attention, and a question popped up in my thoughts: "the bible is in english (or tagalog) version, and is available to all people to read, but why is it that some people still do not obey what is in it though they have read it?"

So verse 2 answered it. It says there, though they have heard, it was of no value to them, because they did not have faith like of those who obeyed.

My realization: Wisdom is far from intelligence. 

As we see, there are lots of intelligent people. They are talented, they easily grasp ideas, they learn fast and they excel in school and other practical situations. However, intelligence is not the key ingredient to obey God and His Words. It takes faith, and with faith in God, comes wisdom.

A person can be intelligent but can lack wisdom. A person who is not considered intelligent can be a person who is full of wisdom from God. 

It is not the good vocabulary or good sentence construction used in a devotion, or the skill of a good public speaker who shares the Word of God that matters. What is important is if we have true faith, true love for our Lord God and how we apply His commands in our lives.

Praises and honor to our Lord Jesus Christ!

- meliza e.