Devotion: Wake Up Call-Wisdom

Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit.
1 Corinthians 12:8

We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience,… Colossians 1:9-11

The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him-
the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and of might,
the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord. Isaiah 11:2

… then listen to me; be silent, & I will teach you wisdom. Job 33:33

And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. Luke 2:52

A wise person once invited me to the idea that INTELLIGENCE and WISDOM are not the same. It was a wonderful and exciting thought – and one I had not before considered. Immediately I began to find differences between the two, like the difference between knowing better and doing better. The difference between gathering data and interpreting it correctly. The difference between smart and kind. Wisdom became very attractive to me.

Recently, I have been thinking about the role of wisdom and knowledge in the context of faith. I wonder if perhaps we don’t misrepresent ourselves when we claim faith to be outside of the realm of knowledge. Certainly, much of our knowledge of God is immeasurable, but that does not exclude it as worthy or valuable. I would argue this kind of knowledge is the most valuable we can desire and acquire!

WISDOM may seem out of reach. How can I attain wisdom? Does wisdom only come with age? Or the reading of many, many books or require the best of teachers? Scripture tells us that wisdom and knowledge are a gift from God. A blessing of the Spirit. In the book of Proverbs, wisdom is associated with discernment, knowledge, prudence, righteousness, taking advice, humility, understanding, patience.

What is your desire for Wisdom? Do you have the courage to ask God for this gift? What would it require of you? How would your life look different? During the current worship series on Ariana Huffington’s book, Thrive, we will be exploring many of the habits of someone seeking this kind of Wisdom. Ariana could certainly be recognized as intelligent, but found her large and successful life lacking. Perhaps there are parallel lessons for all of us in her journey.

Lord, help me to know your ways and bless with me your wisdom. Help me with the courage and patience and honesty to learn your ways. Bless me with knowledge of you and your kingdom. My heart is wiling, but my flesh is weak. Give me your power. Amen.

This devotion is written by Patty Forsberg.

If you would like to serve as a member of the Sheridan Lutheran Writing Team and help to write devotions based on the text for the weekend, contact Patty Forsberg.

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