Do we consider ourselves smart people?

 

The word SMART has several meanings in the dictionary, and the different synonyms refer to a specific type (bright, intelligent, clever. Ingenious, resourceful, stylish. . .) but in general, if we are, we are going to make choices in life that take us to everlasting goodness for us and our family.

Of course, it is like everything in life, it has two sides: the good and the bad. For some it is smart to be rich, for instance, no matter what you do to get it; like when you smart-out your opponent; like when one lies in order to justify whatever action taken, or like the dictators who smart out a whole nation with lies to live well, them and their followers; or the ones who live sinful lives sheltering in the “others’ faults who discriminate them” and constantly justify themselves. The criminals usually get a “smart” lawyer to get them out of a guilty sentence. It all depends how you look at it.

 The first mother and father had two sons: Cain, who worked the ground and Abel who worked with the animals. They both presented their offerings to the Lord, but He had regard for Abel and his offering and not for Cain’s. As a child I used to say: <It isn’t fair. Why is it that Abel’s work had to be better than the other’s?>  But now, as I am older and study I understand. The Lord said to Cain: If you do well will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it. (Genesis 4.7) I realized, then, that the problem was not in the offering, but in the attitude of not being able to behave smartly and accept to have lost, being envious and sinning when Cain killed his brother. So we have to be smart and calm down to not sin.

If we study the Word that God left us we become smart to make good choices and we can teach our children so their lives can be lived smartly and that’s called to have WISDOM.  My pastor says that Paul the apostle’s masterpiece work is the book of ROMANS and to me the best instructions are in the 12^th chapter. I leave you with some verses that have touched me:

Therefore I urge you brethren, by the mercies of God to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God which is your spiritual service of worship. (v1) And do not be conformed to this world but be transformed by the renewing your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. (v2) Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. (v9) Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor. (v10)  Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. (v16) Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. (v17) If possible so far as it depends on you be at peace with all men. (v18) NEVER take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “VENGEANCE is MINE , I WILL  REPAY,” says the Lord. (v19) “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he’s thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing so you will heap burning coals on his head.”(20) Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (v21)     If we do these things we’d be smart and the world would be a better place.