Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path. Psalm 119:105 (NLT)
If God put the tools for wisdom in a box, what would we find? A glowing treasure chest–a ray of light beckoning us to open it? Inside lie a map, compass, and scales. Bright colored jewels of different sizes and shapes mark the location of wisdom on the map. Picking up the compass for direction, we head off to the location of the first gem. Each stone is inspected and weighed to determine its value.
But wisdom isn’t found in a box; it’s found in God alone. Sometimes God uses other people to speak words of wisdom to us, but each word must be weighed. Does it align with His word and character? Sometimes what’s best for one person isn’t best for another. Everybody’s situation is different.
Some children thrive in public schools and others do better in smaller environments like the home or private schools. I know of seniors who flourish in retirement centers and nursing homes where they can live life together vicariously. Then there are others who prefer to live more solitary.
In the midst of a global health pandemic, I feel like the rope in the game Tug of War–being pulled by my own desires and the world.
Churches, restaurants, theaters, and retailers are opening again. Yes, I’ve made a mad dash inside a few retail stores. Yet, I’m reluctant to attend worship, go out to eat, or see a movie. Crowd size, building size, and time exposed to others are all factors to consider until the COVID-19 threat dissipates.
It’s true that sometimes fear can masquerade as wisdom (2 Cor. 11:14). When I encounter this, I ask what am I doing and why am I doing it? The motive of your heart will usually reveal the source of it.
There was a time I wouldn’t participate in a lot of physical activity because I was afraid of injuring my back again. I thought I was using wisdom, but God revealed it was really fear.
Scripture says God gives wisdom to those who ask (James 1:5), and 2 Timothy 1:8 says, “For God will never give you the spirit of fear, but the Holy Spirit who gives you mighty power, love, and self control.” The Aramaic translates the word self control as revelation light or instruction.
How can you trust you’re doing the right thing? Weigh each decision like a gemstone and look at it from all angles. Ask God:
If I do this, will it please you?
Who will it help, and who could it hurt?
Will this choice reveal my love for you?
Am I more interested in doing my will or yours?
Will it produce peace?
Remember God’s ways are not our ways and rest assured He will guide you if you ask. Often He will stretch our faith and take us places we aren’t comfortable going but are necessary.
Wisdom listens and learns. It is humble, loving, compassionate, gentle, and exercises restraint.
Try not to take offense when your friends or family don’t make the same decisions as you. Be patient and kind to one another, most importantly–love one another!
Like this:
Like Loading...
