I read this the other day and it really struck home, "ordinary wisdom is being smart enough to know what to do next: Godly wisdom is being smart enough to know what God wants us to do next.” That made me stop and think. Solomon exhorts us to "get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding." (Proverbs 4:5-7 NIV)
Solomon encourages us to “get wisdom, get understanding.” By doing that we will be able to follow God’s direction as we journey daily through life. So how do we get wisdom? Well, the following things can help us…
Pursue a continued growth in the understanding of God’s word – the Bible. It is a lifelong process. We have various avenues to do that in our day and age but certainly, good Bible teaching is a must amongst so many options.
Pray that the Holy Spirit will guide us and direct us as we apply the truths of God’s word to life.
Continue to be a 'big picture' person. How does this affect both myself and others and our future standing before God?
Is it done in Biblical love?
Be a lifelong learner about many areas of life.
Seek wise counsel when necessary.
Faith is belief put in action. As we put things in action, that sometimes means the wise thing to do is to wait. Maybe we need more information. Sometimes it means that it is not the right time. Common sense helps us dictate when to go ahead and when we should stop or hold back. Like learning to walk, we start where we are. It is a lifelong process. None of us have arrived. Prayerfully tackle life with God’s grace and enjoy the journey.
I believe that if we act in humility, God will honour our desire to act wisely before Him: "now, LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties. Your servant is here among the people you have chosen, a great people, too numerous to count or number. So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” (1 Kings 3:7-9 NIV)
May our prayer, like Solomon’s, be that God will give us a “discerning heart.” May our “wisdom” empower us and those around us. May our journey be one of learning, joy and peace.
God bless you – keep safe and keep in the love of Jesus – Pastor Ralph
Comments