“The Next Spiritual Journey” Day 5: All “wisdom” is not created equal.

“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.”

‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

We’ve all known people who know a lot of things, are considered generally intelligent, and yet they seem to have no—what we call—“common sense.”

Now, we may struggle with a thorough definition of common sense; but we know it when we see it and we know it when we don’t see it.

I believe there is an element in what we call common sense that is not so common. Consider: common sense is the ability to learn from experience, not ignoring facts, but knowing what the accumulation of facts mean, and apply all this to decisions, judgments, etc. Wait, I think you now see what I meant earlier when I alluded to the fact that to come up with a thorough definition of common sense, is not that easy. And again, having of the same is not that “common.”

However, allow me to present you with something that is even better than what we call common sense. Indeed, the wisdom that God gives us through His Holy Spirit, far exceeds any notion of common sense.

One might ask, “Isn’t all wisdom the same? Actually, as with many things, different people will use the word “wisdom” to apply to a number of abilities. For example, someone who is focused on making a lot of money, might reference someone who is good at making investments, as having “wisdom.” I don’t have a problem with that, but what we are stressing here is that the child of God should have access to a way of being and doing, a level of understanding, and a scope of the same, far beyond anything the world could offer or is “commonly” seen. As well, it is not limited to a particular application.

James offers a very straightforward litmus test for whether a person is operating in the wisdom that is from the Lord, or the so-called wisdom that is from the world (human “wisdom” uninformed by the Holy Spirit).

“If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind. But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.”

‭‭James‬ ‭3‬:‭13‬-‭18‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Distilling what James says in these verses, we can say that if a person‘s way of thinking, judging, and deciding, produces sinful behaviors, that is not wisdom from the Lord. If, on the other hand, a person‘s decision-making and judgment, their general way of being and doing, reflects Christlike qualities and behavior, then we can say that is the result of the heavenly kind of wisdom. And that is the kind of wisdom followers of Christ should all seek.

As children of God, as true followers of Christ, we should be careful to not accept the world‘s definition of wisdom, not to seek to be what the world thinks is wise, intelligent, and so on. Rather, let us unapologetically seek that wisdom which is from the Lord.

Indeed, the word of the Lord says that fear of the Lord, honoring Him, obeying Him, is the foundation, or the beginning, of wisdom. So, I would submit to you that those who do not have any fear of the Lord are not truly wise.

“Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. All who obey his commandments will grow in wisdom. Praise him forever!”

‭‭Psalms‬ ‭111‬:‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Now, just as with any other quality or fruit coming out of the Holy Spirit within us, there is a progressive nature to these qualities being exhibited in our lives. But when none of these things, none of the signs of heavenly wisdom, is present in our lives, something is wrong.

If, as a follower of Christ, you have become aware that you’re lacking in the heavenly wisdom department, our opening scripture gives a very simple starting point: Ask the Lord for His wisdom. Of course, we pursue that end, with our study of the word and a consistent prayer life. But without the Lord planting that seed within us through His Holy Spirit, we will not, we can not, find that wisdom which is from above.

Peace to you.

Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!