The Secret Of Being A Wise Man (Or Woman)!

Wise Men...Magi.  You know the story.  But what is the determining factor in the story...the secret to their success?

The 'secret,' the determining factor is found at the heart of the Magi's story:  falling down and worshipping God, and God alone.   For when they found Jesus, Matthew tells us, the Magi "...bowed down and worshipped [Jesus] ... [opening up] their treasurers...gold...incense and...myrrh."  (Matthew 2:11)

Just as the Maji opened up completely to Jesus, we need to open up completely to Jesus.  For the next step on life's journey is not revealed until we offer the next expression of obedience to Jesus and Jesus alone. 

But as we do, God is faithful.  I mean “Lean on, trust in and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind, and do not rely on your own insight or understanding.” Proverbs 6 clarifies.  “In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight, and plain your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6, The Amplified Bible).

William Borden’s path seemed obvious. As heir of the Borden milk fortune, he would continue in the family business and be immensely happy. But William Borden was not happy -- and so he opened up completely to Jesus – and Jesus called Borden to redirect his fortune toward Christian outreach; specifically outreach to Muslims.  And Borden was fulfilled, expressing his satisfaction through his famous motto:  “No Reserves, No Retreats, No Regrets!”  Well on his way to reach Muslims in China, Borden stopped in Egypt to study Arabic -- but tragically died, at age 25.   Well recently Borden’s grave was rediscovered, at the end of a garbage-lined alley in Egypt.  Not surprisingly it was covered with filth and dirt, but folks bushed away the filth and dirt, uncovering a lengthy epitaph underneath.  Not unexpectedly the epitaph expressed joy -- not lament – at Borden’s incredible life of surrender -- in spite of leaving his family’s fortune.  But the last words of the epithet were especially striking, as they described the reason for Borden’s ironic joy and incredible fulfillment.  "Apart from…Christ” – the epitaph concluded – “there is no explanation -- for such a life!!"

Wow that’s what I want on my grave!!  Apart from Christ -- there is no explanation for such a life!   For the key to greatness is yieldedness, total surrender to God’s promptings and God’s Will.   You don’t need to go to China or Egypt to have a surrendered life – but you need to go somewhere, beyond your own needs and desires – giving all to God and His Kingdom’s Call!