I’m sure like me, you have at some time in your life tried to be smart or even wise. Our society values people who have these qualities, different though they are. Smart is often used to describe people who are considered to be intelligent, like Street Smart, whereas being wise means that someone has experience and knowledge and is able to apply it in good judgement. You can be smart but of no practical use if you don’t make the right decisions!
Often people believe that as we grow older, more mature, we automatically get wiser. This is just not true. To increase our wisdom, we must process our experiences and learn from them, we need to understand ‘why’ something turned out the way it did. We need to seek and acquire wisdom through reflection and insight.
It is possible to do the same thing time and time again and never understand the ‘why’. It is only when we get that ‘light bulb’ moment, and we gain an insight into the ‘why’ that we gain wisdom.
This is true of both the wisdom that allows us to make better judgements in today’s world and the different wisdom we should seek as Christians. Worldly wisdom helps us improve our lives; spiritual wisdom teaches us that God has made all things for his purpose and our role is to accept His ways. Spiritual wisdom tells us that life not centred on God is dissatisfying.
Jesus’ brother James, writes in his book chapter 1 verse 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.” As Christians all we have to do is ask God for spiritual wisdom and once we have it, develop it. Our daily lives should be all about acquiring that spiritual wisdom.
We know our God seeks to have a relationship with us and it is from this relationship wisdom is received. Growing in spiritual wisdom happens when we use our knowledge of God, the world, and ourselves, to help us make the right decisions as Christians, in line with His will. As we grow in wisdom we become better equipped to do “what Jesus would do” and live lives pleasing to God. As we seek His wisdom through prayer and reading scripture, He gives us opportunities to grow our trust in Him. That’s when we begin to see His wisdom become an important part of our lives, our guide for daily Christian living.
There are many benefits of spiritual wisdom. As it grows we get an increased knowledge of God and clearer guidance of what He wants us to do in our lives. We understand more about God protecting us and not asking too much of us. Most of all wisdom gives us a sense of self-worth as we understand how much God loves and cares for us. When we are ‘connected’ to God in this way we become more content and happier, finding real peace in our lives.
Ask God for wisdom today and continue acquiring His wisdom every day by talking to Him and reading His book. May your gain never wain!