A Disposition and an Attitude

That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.

Ephesians 1:17 (NKJV)

When God has a plan for a believer, He not only calls and commissions them, but He also ensures that they are able to fulfill their mission. We often think of mission as what a person does, such as preaching, singing, evangelizing, or teaching. However, mission goes much further. It also includes attitude, humility, compassion, and obedience to God's Word. It can also involve a life of prayer. For, depending on the calling, these elements can be important in fulfilling God's will.

This is exactly what Paul implies in this verse. Some interpret his request as his desire for the Ephesian Christians to be baptized with the Holy Spirit, who will grant them wisdom and revelation so that they can lead lives pleasing to God. In reality, Paul's request is much more about a disposition and attitude of wisdom, as well as a desire to know Christ. However, no one can become wise and receive revelation without the help of the Holy Spirit. Paul's goal is for the Ephesians to come to know Him (Christ).

When Paul speaks of revelation to know Christ, he is not talking about theoretical knowledge, as when one hears about a person. His goal is for the Ephesians to know Christ intimately. If God has allowed us to have this message today, it is because He wants us too to aspire to this dimension of wisdom and revelation. Do you know Christ only through the messages you hear, or do you have a personal relationship with Him? Even if you devote time to studying the Word, as long as it does not lead you to seek and develop intimacy with Christ, you are still far from God's purpose for your life.

May the grace and peace of God be with you all.