Today I’m pondering the Spiritual Gift of Wisdom.
Webster says that wisdom is: “accumulated philosophic or scientific learning” and the “ability to discern inner qualities and relationships” and “a wise attitude, belief, or course of action”
But Paul speaks differently about Wisdom in 1 Corinthians 2:6-13
“However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.
But as it is written:
“ Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.”
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What I hear from Paul is that true wisdom is a gift, a gift of the Spirit that lives within us. One could say that the gift of wisdom is to know the mind of the Holy Spirit. To know, or understand, or better yet….see what God wants or says.
I have given many talks in the past few years and have a personal connection with God’s revelation in the Scriptures. I believe strongly that one comes to know God intimately when they read, study, pray and discern His word. Often while speaking, I’ll read a passage in connection with my talk or ideal that I’m trying to convey to the audience. Many times, more than I can count, I have felt compelled to share another passage from some other part of the bible that I didn’t prepare to use and without fail I will know it, understand it, and relate it and it will become the central message of the talk. I know that may sound weird and some will say not true, but I promise you it is. God speaks to us through His Word and we need only be faithful listeners….even those of us speaking.
Wisdom is not…knowing how to change a tire, or make a budget, or fix the economy.
Wisdom is…knowing and seeing God’s will in our lives. That is what happens to me when I’m speaking. God reveals a little more of His Will for us, me, or someone. Sometimes I know and sometimes I don’t know. That doesn’t matter. What matters is that He is seen and heard and not I nor anyone else.
I’m pretty tired of hearing people say they make wise decisions when those decisions are based on their own merit. I’ve made too many of those myself and to be honest, they are the worst decisions I make. Only when I look to and listen to Him do I know it is a wise decision.
I don’t know why I’m posting this today. Except to say that we as a people make sad decisions every day. Abortion, murder, stealing, discrimination, and all of the junk we are mixed up in….are not wise decisions. Maybe if we stopped listening to morons like those at the Commercial Appeal and Channel 3, and started listening to Him a bit more, we’d be better off.
Lastly, to the guy who was driving the Toyota Prius on the way home while smoking a cigarette. Thanks for your concern for the environment. You are truly wise my friend…..
Tags: decisions, faith, gift of wisdom, holy spirit, prius, wisdom, wise
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