I have heard a pastor say that there are three kinds of people. Some people are wise; some are foolish; some are evil. I don’t know about you, but I know the category into which I would like to be sorted.
I definitely do not want to be counted among the evil. I don’t think anyone would – including the evil. No one wants to be called out for their moral failings. That’s why evil prefers darkness. (John 3:20)
I would love to be counted with the wise, but I think, if I am honest with myself, on many occasions I would find my name on the list of foolish people. The foolish are easily distracted, disinterested, discontent, or deceived. They lose sight of what is true and lasting and run after the next shiny gadget, the new popular hot spots, the next social media challenge…
Too often I find myself distracted from the things of God, lured away down a rabbit trail that doesn’t seem so bad until I realize how far I have strayed from what I hope to be. Sometimes I am foolish in the things I don’t do, because I am not interested in the difference I could make. Then there are the times I jump into something just because it promises to be different from the same old same old. And, even though I hate to admit it, I have sometimes been deceived into foolishness as I listen to the accuser tell me I am not _______ enough (fill in the blank), or that I will have no support, or I will be alone, or…
So how do we become wise? Well, I think the first step is to realize we can’t become wise in our own strength. What the world considers wise is more often more foolishness wrapped in a tidier package and can even sometimes be downright evil. That is why we must depend on God.
James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (ESV) Now I will be the first to agree if you are thinking “It can’t be that simple.” It isn’t. Like so many other life changing principles it is the starting line, not the finish.
The first step is to recognize that you lack wisdom. Most of us would rather not examine our actions and lifestyles from this point of view. It requires humility to see that you may be the problem, not the solution to all your challenges in life.
Then we have to be willing to admit that God is the source of all wisdom (not Mom, our best friend, a therapist, or even a blogger 😉). So, go to the source! You might be thinking, “If God knows I need wisdom, why doesn’t He just give it to me?” I don’t know, I’m not God, but I think it’s because He is a gentleman. He is not going to drop unsolicited advice into the life He gave you free will to live. He is not a nosey mother-in-law.
So ask! The Bible promises that God will give His wisdom generously and will not make you feel bad for asking. He loves when His children come to Him for advice on how to live our lives.
Unfortunately, you will not (necessarily) hear an audible voice telling you what to do. If you want to hear from God, you need to spend time investing in your relationship with Him. Wisdom, like anything worth cultivating happens gradually and is the direct result of the amount of attention given to that goal.
How do we cultivate wisdom? Well, it’s today’s affirmation: I seek God’s wisdom. The key word is “seek”. It’s actively pursuing God to gain perspective in our everyday life. Read the Bible, join a Bible study, pray, pay attention. These are all ways to seek wisdom from God.
When I say this affirmation. I know that it is not true of me 100% of the time, so I pray:
Abba, You are the wisdom of the universe! The intricacies of creation were specifically designed to fulfill Your good purposes. You know all things and have determined the best way to apply knowledge to our lives. Please forgive me for counting my cleverness as wisdom and neglecting to consult You on all the decisions I make each day. Thank You that Your word tells us that You will willingly impart wisdom when we ask humbly for insight. Please slow me down in my decision making process enough to remember that You are the only source of true wisdom. Also, Lord, I pray for ears to hear and a heart that trusts You in all things. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
If you are looking for a local Bible study or an online study, I have been privileged to be part of two nationwide groups. Check out Bible Study Fellowship or Community Bible Study or inquire at your home church.