Need A Little More Wisdom?

I’m thinking back to when I was a young adult. I’ve discovered people think differently when they first enter the adult world than when they have a decade or two of life experience behind them. That was certainly true for me. As life “happened” and challenges piled up, I began to realize I need a little more wisdom! So, what did I do?

Fortunately, I pursued wisdom – because I realized I didn’t have much on my own. Now, I frequently visit the timeless library of wisdom. Thankfully, it’s open anytime – night or day. (More on that in this content.)

A Little More Wisdom

Let’s start with a very thought-provoking Scripture. “Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become ‘fools’ so that you may become wise.” (1 Cor. 3:18)

What an odd Scripture! In fact, it sounds strange. Perhaps strange enough to explore. What ever could such a verse mean?

For starters, Paul is saying God declares the wisdom of today’s world is foolishness. Well, if that’s true, then where do you begin to “go after” wisdom?

First, Scripture defines wisdom in two ways.

1. Godly.
2. Worldly.

 

If you wrestle with these two opposing ideas, you’ll likely ask lots of questions about wisdom. Questions like:

• Is wisdom based on your personal assessments about things . . . or something outside yourself?
• Is wisdom something that shifts – or is it permanent?
• How does popular thought affect wisdom?
• Does trending data interface with wisdom? If so, how?
• What foundation is wisdom based on?
• How does godly wisdom differ from worldly wisdom?
• How does God’s perspective fit into wisdom that can change your life?

 

God’s Perspective

I think the best place to start is with God’s perspective. So, let’s explore His ideas about wisdom.

1. God knows the thoughts of the worldly wise are futile. He sees clear through to the middle – and end – of every scenario.
2. The person willing to be seen as a fool by the world in order to become increasingly wise in God’s ways is already turning the doorknob on the door to wisdom.
3. The individual humble enough to admit they need God’s wisdom is the person ready to receive wisdom from God.
4. The person who cares more about what God thinks than the world’s opinion is already wise. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” (Ps. 111:10; Prov. 1:7; 9:10)

 

In summary, God is aware of everything – down to every detail. So, pursuing more of God –

1. Gives you clearer vision into and through issues.
2. Helps you turn the doorknob on the door to wisdom. 
3. Proves you are ready for deeper fellowship with God.
4. Means you care more about what God thinks than what others think. 

 

These four ideas are life changing!

How To Gain A Little More Wisdom

Have you “caught” yourself considering compromises? How important is it to you to be seen as a wise person? An intellectual? A voice others listen to?

Surely, you have noticed some people match their thoughts, words, and presentations with popular trends. Indeed, there’s also the increasingly popular “skeptic” platform amplified from various podcasts, talk shows, popular opinion, and positions of prestige.

People will do almost anything to preserve how others perceive them. Thus, they often work hard to present themselves with a satisfying, public, positive self-view. In other words, they focus on thinking of themselves as well-thought and well-spoken, regardless if they actually are well-thought and well-spoken.

God’s Word reinforces that with any time, place, person, method, or strategy that promotes envy or selfish ambition . . . there will also be a time, place, person, method, or strategy of disorder and every evil practice.

Well, that’s different than what you often hear today! And interestingly, it’s from the timeless library of wisdom open anytime – night or day.

God’s Word gives a great definition of wisdom. “First of all – 

• pure, then
• peace-loving,
• considerate,
• submissive,
• full of mercy and
• good fruit,
• impartial and
• sincere.” (Jas. 3:16-17)

 

Desire More Wisdom

If you truly care about being wise, here’s a good approach. Ask Jesus to identify your heart’s motives – what you desire most.

Here are steps and questions to help identify your heart’s motives:

1. Pause.
2. Pray for a spirit of humility.
3. Be honest.
4. Measure your responses with what Scripture says about envy and selfish ambition.
5. Look for disorder in your mind, words, and life.
6. Pick out any questionable underlying motives.
7. Where do you care more about how others perceive you than how God sees you?
8. Have you been pushing your own agenda, perhaps at the cost of hurting others?
9. Are you submissive to God, full of mercy, and kind to others?
10. Are your comments and opinions impartial, sincere, and eternal – based on Scripture?

 

If you answer those questions well, you can know you desire more wisdom. Good for you!

Which Defines Your Heart?

Now, it’s time to ask yourself – which kind of wisdom defines your heart and life more accurately?

1. Godly.
2. Worldly.

 

Once you identify any worldly pursuit in your life, you need to act quickly – and decisively. Be courageous to step away from it. This requires two things:

1. Honest heart.
2. Courageous spirit.

 

In good conscience you can begin to operate as a “fool” for Jesus.

The Lord knows your inner thoughts. Additionally, He knows how to preserve your life in all scenarios you experience. Plus, you can trust Jesus to take care of you. That’s His part.

However, He wants you to protect your heart from the effects of worldly influences. That’s your part.

What Did I Do?

In the introduction, I talked about being a young adult and needing more wisdom. Then, I asked a question – So, what did I do?

Well, I said I started to “frequently visit the timeless library of wisdom . . . open anytime – night or day.”

Additionally, I discovered a practical list of action steps:

1. First, I got more serious about each day.
2. Next, I admitted I lacked wisdom.
3. So, I asked God for it. This lasted for several years – and I still pray wisdom decades later. I claim Jas. 1:5. “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
4. Additionally, I began to accept myself as God accepts me – a person under grace and mercy. In other words, I learned how to live in remorse while at the same time completely free and joyful.
5. Further, I accepted trials as training. As I yielded to this training, I really grew in my relationship with God.
6. Equally, I asked God to make me hungry and thirsty for Him. I went after God with all I have.
7. Then, setting “feelings” aside, I decided to love Him with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. Interestingly, loving God changes you. Plus, I was stunned to begin to “enjoy God loving me.”
8. Amazingly, I practiced another behavior. Rejoicing in God, praising Him, and thanking Him for all He is doing. Even though I couldn’t see or understand it all.

 

P.S. The timeless library of wisdom is being in Scripture and prayer – daily. Plus, it’s applying God’s Word through the day – or night – while staying in touch with God. This is the beginning of wisdom.

What Did God Do?

He changed me! And this opened the amazing resource of wisdom. In fact, the more I realize – “He must become greater; I must become less” (Jn. 3:30) – the more stable my life is.

Guess what! God is still changing me. I have so much to learn. Actually, I can’t think of a better way to live than to have God continually transforming, teaching, and training me. Again, this is the beginning of wisdom.

The best part is realizing Jesus is my dearest Friend, faithful Companion, and Source of Wisdom.

Application Thoughts And Questions

1. Do you ever lack wisdom? How do you handle that?
2. Do you find yourself going after godly or worldly wisdom most?
3. Are you willing to be a wise fool for Jesus? Remember – this takes courage.
4. Have you remembered God loves you and wants to “do life” with you?
5. How much time do you spend in the timeless library of wisdom open anytime – night or day.
6. Remember: this timeless library is simply getting into Scripture and prayer daily. Plus, applying God’s Word through the day – or night – while staying in touch with God. This is the beginning of wisdom.
7. Are you going after God with all you have and are?
8. Do you choose to love Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength?

 

* Portions of this content came from our book – e-Pistles For An i-Generation Relevant In A Digital Age – a devotional book that takes you through 1 and 2 Corinthians. You’ll find practical action points that help you know God better and nurture personal growth. You can find this book in our bookstore: www.aliveandactivelife.org/store.

 

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