Wisom . . . worldy or otherworldly?
Do you approach life decisions more wisely than someone with a rabbit’s foot, horseshoe, magic 8 ball or a Ouija board? Do ya? What’s your plan of action? God talks a lot about the access to, usefulness of and our need for wisdom. In fact, He’s very definite about our need for it and suggests He is a reliable source. Not only is God reliable to supply us with wisdom, He is eager to do so, generous with it and offers it without condescending. The caveat is that God is concerned that when He gives wisdom He expects us to receive it and apply it without doubting or considering lesser alternatives.(see James 1:5-8)
Wisdom, as we often see it applied through scripture, is an endowment of skill, prudence or shrewdness that allows us to apply God’s principles to life. God promises wisdom, not the feeling of wisdom. “For the Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” (Prov. 2:6) We may tend to look for a sense or feeling of “rightness” about decisions we make, but living by faith births the reality that “the steps of the godly are directed by the Lord. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will not fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.” (Ps. 37:23-24).
How does one get started on this path of wisdom living? God says that revering Him and acknowledging His awesome nature begins the process. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding.” (Psalm 111:10 ESV) Maybe we do take God seriously at His word and apply to our lives much of what He prescribes. But then how do we so easily get off the path? We gladly and deeply accept without reservation and count on so many things that God is and that God promises, such as our salvation, heaven, Jesus’ return, “clean slate” forgiveness, supernatural peace amidst fury, His sovereignty and even His omniscience (all wisdom), yet even after buying into all that power, comfort, virtue and wisdom we still balk and stagger with many of our lives’ “particular” issues. Now, why is that? Is our faith and trust in God stored in separate compartments which we pick and choose to open depending on the situation? Do you want an answer? What is yours? Think About It.