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Victory Through Wisdom
Is that cliff too high for me to jump off since I can flap my arms super-fast and fly? Coach said I am better suited as a lineman; do you think he is right? What does it mean to “die with Christ?” What do you think about me attending college where there isn’t a good group of Christians? Do you even think that going to college is the right decision for me? Is it favorable for me to date this person? What about to marry this person? Am I ready for marriage? Can my one year old understand what “no” means, and should I expect obedience with specific commands? Do you think my wife and I would benefit from counseling? Should I go into business with this group of people? Do you think I focus on work too much while neglecting my wife and kids? How much should I be investing, and where should that money go? I want to help my son and daughter-in-law with the kids, but I don’t want to overstep my boundary; do you think I am? Are my affairs in order for when my time comes to pass away from this life? Am I spiritually ready to meet my maker?
People of all ages, maturity levels, and spiritual backgrounds throughout time have dealt with incredibly challenging questions. But these questions often remain trapped in our own minds because we don’t allow the confusion, curiosity, or doubt escape our lips into our perceived world of judgement and mockery. So then, how do we process through these questions and have them answered adequately? Often, we default to what we “know” and accept that as truth, or we ignore the questions all together, which is especially common when the question is overwhelming. An effective scheme of the prowling lion is to get his targets in extremely difficult situations due to a lack of planning or discernment, which then can lead to compromises, excuses, or sub-optimal decisions.
But what if we didn’t bottle up all of these “scary” questions? What if we established an inner circle of wise advisors where no questions were off limits and where no belittlement or the rolling of the eyes took place? What if these advisors truly loved us and desired good for us and would tell us what we needed to hear verses what we wanted to hear? What if these individuals had already lived through many of life’s difficult and tricky situations and could give direction based on their own experiences? We could then come out of the darkness of uncertainty and fear into a light of clarity and confidence. We would be free from our singular biased opinion and progress forward with useful information, which produces knowledge, and ideas and thoughts on how to apply that knowledge, which is wisdom.
It is God’s design that his children learn and grow from interactions from those that are wise. God provides many mechanisms for obtaining knowledge and wisdom when it comes to working through life’s challenges. In Paul’s letter to Titus we see that the older women are to teach the younger women, and we know, practically speaking, this type of teaching often comes after an inquiry from an honest, humble person. In James’ letter we read that we are to confess our sins to one another. What often comes after a confession? Teaching and encouragement on how to overcome and avoid the pitfall being discussed. In Paul’s Galatians letter he writes that you who are spiritual should restore the one caught in a transgression. What should be a part of the restoration process? Words of wisdom helping the individual understand how they got where they were and how to progress forward.
If we all strive to help each other stay on the straight and narrow, and take it very, very seriously, then our lives will be so much more peaceful and joyful. Isolation is cold, so we must all do our part to remain humble and seek wisdom. We must also be ready to provide spiritually minded words of encouragement that are both helpful and free of condescending tones. If we do these things, we can go into any battle life throws our way and be victorious.
Proverbs 24 3-7 “By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches. A wise man is full of strength, and a man of knowledge enhances his might, for by wise guidance you can wage your war, and in abundance of counselors there is victory. Wisdom is too high for a fool; in the gate he does not open his mouth.
