The Road To: Wisdom
The Road to: Wisdom
What is wisdom? Consider the difference between wisdom and knowledge. Wisdom brings the application of perspective to bear on a question or challenge where knowledge is just knowing, which is important too. But perspective causes us to think things through with both our head and heart. Prayer plays a big role for me when seeking perspective. However, like most things, wisdom can have pluses and minuses. If you think of wisdom as bringing clarity, perspective and balance to your thinking, can it also offer us challenges like pride, shortsightedness, impulsiveness or complacency?
What does scripture offer for us about wisdom?
My brothers and sisters, whenever you face various trials, consider it all joy, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance complete its work, so that you may be complete and whole, lacking in nothing. If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you.
James 1: 2-5 NRSV
And The Message bible states it even more clearly:
If you don’t know what you’re doing, pray to the Father. He loves to help. You’ll get his help, and won’t be condescended to when you ask for it.
James 1:5 The Message
I love The Message!!
What role does prayer play for you in seeking wisdom? (Please comment below)
Where might we also look for some guidance in seeking wisdom?
In song:
Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;
Naught be all else to me, save that Thou art;
Thou my best thought, by day or by night;
Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.
. . .
O King of glory, my victory won;
Rule and reign in me ’til Thy will be done;
Heart of my own heart, whatever befall;
Still be my vision, O Ruler of all.
In Christ:
Jesus was a teacher and an example of wisdom. Consider his many parables – they cause us to think and, in thinking, we learn. Jesus' life and journey demonstrates his wisdom and how he used it. The wisdom of Jesus was apparent in all his actions, particularly in his teaching (but not always understood). For me, an example of His wisdom that wasn't understood was his delay in traveling to help his friend and cousin Lazarus when Jesus was notified that Lazarus was ill. Jesus knew the subsequent death and raising of Lazarus from the dead would be important to ignite the process that led to his (Jesus’) death and resurrection. Do you have some other preferred examples? (Please comment below)
Do you pray for wisdom for yourself? For others (e.g., leaders)? For family members? What is your most pressing issue/problem that you are praying for wisdom to resolve?
Are you anxious about some of your challenges, or the world’s challenges, or your family challenges? Consider this prayer:
Dear God, we pray you will grant us the discernment to see beyond the surface, to recognize truth. Bless us with the ability to view life from different angles. May wisdom help us weigh decisions, knowing that extremes often lead to chaos. Teach us that wisdom isn't about flaunting knowledge but is often about recognizing our limitations. Like a river flowing around obstacles, let wisdom guide us through life’s twists and turns. AMEN
Pray and let God worry. Martin Luther
Praying for you,
PB
Community Presbyterian Church
32202 Del Obispo
San Juan Capistrano. CA 92675
949-493-1502
info@sjcpres.org