Wednesday, March 14, 2007

WISDOM

Ephesians 5:15

"Be very careful, then, how you live, not as unwise but as wise..."

Wisdom. Who wants to be wise? Is wisdom something that is really valued in our culture? Do we look up to people who are wise? Do we even know what “wise” means or what wisdom is? Do people work hard to become wise? Are people drawn to wisdom? Are they attracted to people who are wise? Do our kids search for wise people to be their idols and heroes?

The Bible talks a lot about wisdom. Wisdom is something to be treasured. It comes from having a proper view of God and from living close to God. At the same time, it is the wise person who pursues God and tries to do what God desires. Gaining wisdom is held in very high regard. The lack of wisdom leads to destruction. Wisdom leads to success. Failure to be wise leads to poverty and grief.

What astounds me about American society in the early 21st century is what seems to be a complete lack of interest in wisdom. There certainly is no interest in wisdom out there in the non-Christian world. Wisdom would just take away everybody’s fun! We know what the world values. Our television commercials provide the equivalent of a PhD dissertation on the values of our society. “What do you want? Go out and get it! You deserve it! You work hard and have a right to your fun and relaxation! Don’t deprive yourself of anything that might feel good! Don’t worry! You can consolidate your debt with a loan from Ditech! Just don’t say ‘no’ to anything your heart desires! Go with your feelings!”

Worse, the Christian church doesn’t seem to have a great deal of interest in wisdom either. It’s as if we have bought into the idea that wisdom just keeps you from doing things that are fun. Have any recent, popular Christian writers written anything on how to live a life driven by wisdom? Have you seen a video series designed to show Christians how they can gain more wisdom? Have any evangelists come up with a plan for outreach based on offering wisdom to seekers? The things we offer people who are seeking spiritual truth are personal fulfillment, happiness, complete satisfaction, meaning in life, hope and purpose. It seems that wisdom ought to be one of the most attractive things about Christianity. People are lost and confused. They cannot make sense out of life and its difficulties. Yet they are being offered everything except wisdom. Wisdom is not flashy and attractive. Offering people wisdom just doesn’t help build a megachurch.

3 Comments:

At 6:25 AM, Blogger jazzycat said...

Dave,
Designing a God of our imagination is what builds the megachurches. "Building consensus" rather than leading builds megachurches. Church decisions based on political concerns rather than Scripture builds megachurches.

I hate to be cynical, but very rarely do I hear Biblical principles cited when I hear people discuss what their church is doing or planning. I hear things like, "I believe", "We would, but we can't upset the community", "We've never done that before", "In our opinion" instead of "Let's look at what Scripture says".

Good points. I enjoy your posts because you show wisdom and discernment. I pray that you will continue.........

Wayne

 
At 7:13 AM, Anonymous Anonymous said...

I heard it said recently that wisdom is applying what the Scriptures say to your life - being obidient. What a novel concept! :)

Great thoughts here, on wisdom Dave. I totally agree.

Wayne, excellent point - designing a God of our imagination is what builds the megachurches. You speak the truth, my friend.

 
At 4:20 AM, Blogger Shiloh Guy said...

Wayne...I think you're right. The God of the Bible makes people too uncomfortable and megachurches are all about us!

Gayla...a novel concept indeed!!!!

 

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