It is Not What You Know, But Who You Know

Who you know in the world’s perspective is the way to frustration and disappointment. You studied hard and graduated in flying colors. Or, even if not in flying colors, you know you are equipped with what it takes to be successful in what you do. Then, maybe, you decided to take a higher degree to polish your credentials. You have the knowledge and the skill. You are qualified. Sometimes, you may be, overqualified. Your name is in the roll call. But you were not picked. You were not chosen. Does this sound familiar? Yes. It happens several times. Because, in this world, it is not what you know but who you know. If you know someone up there who could influence the decision in your favor, then, you got it! If you do not know anyone to do that kind of favor for you, you receive the closed door. Right up in your face. It is the harsh reality. It brings so much disappointment. The world is never fair. Partly, be glad for that because if the world is fair, then you would not be where you are now. Just as the grace of Jesus is never fair for any of us, so the world never plays fair all the time. Sometimes, injustice and unfairness happen. In little ways and big ways. If you want to live happily, learn to accept this fact and deal with it. When you are young, all the novels, books, and movies can give you a false idealism that if you work hard, do good, success is right up in your nose. It is not. If you rely on the world’s way, you can be a winner, but for most of the time, it is not true victory! For the world dictates to you, that it is not about how much you know but who you are with. This principle runs almost anywhere you go. Others grab this opportunity to flourish. But a wise person knows better than this. Putting your trust in man will lead you to disappointment. “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. “Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish.” -Psalm 146:3-4. “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.” -Psalm 118:8-9.

Who you know in God’s perspective is the way to blessing and favor. To be blessed in the Bible means to receive favor from God that leads to joy, success and prosperity. However, in the New Testament, blessing from God generally means spiritual blessings. Of course, God delights in blessing you materially but His foremost desire is for your spiritual well-being. When your life in Him is established, all else follows. So yes, the principle of “it is not what you know, but who you know” still persists even in your walk with God. It is not what you know by your own that brings you favor. Ultimately, it is knowing God and living for Him. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones. Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.” -Proverbs 3:5-10. When you rely on God and trust Him, He make your paths straight. That is plural. Whatever desires and plans you do, God sets them straight for you. When you honor the Lord in your life, he gives you an abundant life in food and other provisions. This, however, does not imply that God will always say YES to all of your requests. There are times God will say no to your prayer not because He is withholding favor and blessing from you, but because He is actually giving you favor. He wants to bless you with a life that is peaceful and joyful. You may not fully understand it in the beginning but you will later realize that His love is perfect and His wisdom is excellent. He never does anything outside of His great love for you. Because God loves you with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3). “For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” -Isaiah 54:10. The success and prosperity that God are giving you may not be exactly that same picture you have in mind. Sometimes, it is different. But you only need to trust in His perfect love for you. He is always doing it the best way. “And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.” -Psalm 9:10. The only question now is, will you follow the way of the world or follow the way of God?