Wisdom

I've been thinking a lot over the years about wisdom, but especially lately. Being married and having a family really puts things into perspective. I want to lead my wife well and I want to teach my children how to live for Christ - and all of that takes much wisdom.

The Proverbs are full of wisdom sayings. The rest of the Bible speaks repeatedly of wisdom as well, using examples and making strong statements in much the same way as the Proverbs. If the Bible spends so much time talking about being wise, then it seems obvious that this should be a common pursuit among all Christ followers.

I know for myself that this is a constant struggle. I ask myself what is the wisest decision in a situation, if what I just did was wise, or if people think me wise. I know that the opinion of others' doesn't matter more than that of Christ, but it sure is a helpful indicator of how I'm doing in my attempts to be like Him.

All that thinking aloud aside, I came across this verse a while back that really captures the heart of wisdom, it's James 3:17:

"But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere."

It's a high standard to be sure, and it certainly indicates that I have a long way to go before I'm anywhere near the expectation that God has of me regarding wisdom. But, I gotta be honest - I like a good list! And this absolutely helps me think about how I am dealing with my family and friends, and even strangers in line in front of me at the bookstore. It's also, if I'm even more honest, an incredibly humbling list because there's no way I can do any of it in my own strength. That's why Christ came - because we couldn't save ourselves with our own efforts. And that's why living our faith is such a process - the Holy Spirit works in our hearts to mold us more and more into the image of Christ, including growth in the area of wisdom.

So, that's my prayer for you (and me) today - that God would give us wisdom from above that we may glorify Him first and most. That the gospel of Christ would be made known to the world through our life and witness, and even through our wisdom.