By Kristi Lampley-Oliver
In a world of limitless possibilities of social media platforms, electronics, and technology we have become quite overwhelmed with the wealth of information available to us. We identify and accept that all of our gadgets allow us to be more efficient in one way or another. We text instead of talk, email instead of calling, without consideration of the effectiveness that verbal communication provides us. In a text or email, we can’t see expressions, feel compassion or hear tone. These conditions force us to make an interpretation of other’s intentions based on our own experiences. And we all know where that can lead us…..straight down the aisle of assumption, with a map of misunderstandings, to frequently visit the Continent of confusion. By not speaking directly to each other, we lose a very intimate and important element of the intended message.
The power of words resonates all around us; they are eternal! The Word tells us that God “spoke” the world into existence [Genesis 1:3], that there is the power of life and death in the tongue [Proverbs 18:21]. However, the Word also tells us that, we (God’s people) perish from a lack of knowledge [Hosea 4:6]. A lack of knowledge; how could this be in our world of information overload? Now, while I think that in some instances, silence can be golden and knowledge IS power, I don’t think that we truly overstand these gifts.
Allow me to sow a seed in your garden of wisdom……..OVERstanding is a term often used to indicate a level of comprehension higher than understanding. The distinction between OVERstanding and UNDERstanding is solely a matter of authority. When you are in a place of authority, you have the ability to become a catalyst for change. UNDERstanding can comprehend the Word of God, share it with others, but generally remains within the constraints of the natural world by not taking action to be a consistent doer of the Word. They look at the mountain and retreat to worry in private. OVERstanding comprehends the Word AND realizes that the ultimate design of God’s plan for our lives is perfect by removing the natural limits of what we think God’s intentions are (sounds familiar…) as well as takes action with blind faith to show others that the Word of God is alive and powerful. They speak to the mountain and tell it to move all while waiting in expectancy. You can attain by UNDERstanding, but can only sustain by OVERstanding.
I once read that, “Knowledge without comprehensive wisdom is just information and therefore utterly useless without overstanding and application.” God gave us power and authority over ALL the earth [Genesis 1:26] not just some or a few parts. So are you applying and using your God given authority in EVERY area of your life; spiritually, over your family, over your finances and in ALL of your circumstances?
With that, I challenge you to renew your mind, apply the Word of God in your life, feed your spirit, take authority, and MOVE THOSE MOUNTAINS! Stay on course and stand your ground. Speak life. For wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you [Proverbs 2:10-11]
So now do you overstand??
Kristi Lampley-Oliver © 2012 (04/13/12) Copyright, All Rights Reserved. LEGAL: This original work is copyright protected and may only be reposted or redistributed in its entirety including title, author, content, and copyright information. Any other use or reproduction in full or in part must be pre-approved and authorized in writing by the copyright holder, Kristi Lampley-Oliver
