You and Wisdom
How do you see wisdom?
I have to admit, my perspective on what wisdom is and its role in my life has expanded greatly over the years.
It's easy to get caught up in the persuasive speech or insightful revelations of others, but is it wisdom?
The "Mmmm... Wow" Generation
One of the things I've noticed in recent years when in the presence of speaking or preaching is this new, rhythmic call and response I've labeled the Mmm... Wow. Mmm... Wow has become Amen's replacement. It normally is expressed by members of the audience immediately after an eloquently expressed, poetic in nature statement is made by the speaker. Mmmm reverberates amongst the attendees. An extroverted participant's "wow" or "clip that" is injected while others nod their heads almost on queue. The notes we take have plenty of gravy, a little meat, but no bone.
The Lord says: “These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is based on merely human rules they have been taught. ~Isaiah 29:13, New International Version
We are influenced, but by what?
Having a Heart for Wisdom
I'm not saying every gripping speaker, preacher, or stimulating conversation is not substantive. In fact, I believe most are and have adjusted the delivery to be more palatable for today's culture. Heck, I've even adjusted mine. The question is do you as the listener know if what you are exposing yourself to is godly, divine wisdom or worldly foolishness?
How can you tell if what you hear is godly wisdom or the tickling of your ears? First, you have to know the difference.
Godly wisdom is only available to God's people.
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the [Holy] Spirit who is from God, so that we may know and understand the [wonderful] things freely given to us by God. We also speak of these things, not in words taught or supplied by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining and interpreting spiritual thoughts with spiritual words [for those being guided by the Holy Spirit]. ~1 Corinthians 2:12-13, Amplified Bible
The gateway to true wisdom is the Holy Spirit, and it comes only through our acceptance of Christ.
Seeking God's wisdom without accepting salvation shifts the interaction to a motivational speech instead of a divine revelation. If all you are looking for is motivation, great. But don't expect divine revelation without the Holy Spirit.
But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets. ~1 Corinthians 10, New Living Translation
Cultivating a heart of wisdom starts with a discernment for the deep and secret things of God found only when we engage the Mind of Christ.
For who has known or understood the mind (the counsels and purposes) of the Lord so as to guide and instruct Him and give Him knowledge? But we have the mind of Christ (the Messiah) and do hold the thoughts (feelings and purposes) of His heart. ~1 Corinthians 2:16, amplified Bible, Classic Edition
Knowing it When You Hear It
Only weeds sprout in stony ground. Seeds of wisdom must be planted in the fertile soil of our hearts in order to grow. Before you scrutinize the wisdom or its vessel, do some self-assessment and cultivate your capacity to receive it. Ask yourself...
"Is my salvation intact?"
"Have I sought the counsel of the Holy Spirit as a source and guide for wisdom or am I just seeking entertainment?"
"Am I asking the Holy Spirit for the spiritual sensitivity of discernment so I can know God's facts from the world's fiction when I hear it?"
Wise counsel should unveil, ignite, and affirm the thoughts, feelings and purposes of the Messiah's heart already inside of you. Approach wisdom from the inside out and you will know it when you hear it.
And remember I love you but God loves you SO MUCH MORE!
PHILLIPA WILLIAMS
AUTHOR | BLOGGER | MINISTRY COACH
