Written by Dawn Rutan
As I’ve been reading through Proverbs lately, I’ve noticed how frequently the author advises to “pursue wisdom.” That is not an insignificant command. There seems to be an unwritten assumption in the church that people who have been Christians for a long time are automatically wise. Surely those who have been to seminary or in ministry for years are wise, aren’t they? I don’t think those are valid assumptions. Wisdom doesn’t necessarily come with education or tenure. Someone can be a Christian for a lifetime and still make foolish decisions or speak as a fool. Even Solomon made foolish decisions after being commended for seeking God’s wisdom. (At least I assume having hundreds of wives and concubines and following their gods is pretty foolish!) The Pharisees were highly educated, but they missed the Messiah.
Wisdom is something that needs to be pursued, but it is given by God, not by professors and books. James says “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him” (James 1:5 ESV). Paul said, “My speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in the demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God… And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual” (1 Corinthians 2:4-5, 13).
It is tempting to rely on human sources of knowledge rather than pursuing divine wisdom. Bookstores and websites are full of resources to learn anything you want to learn. Christian conferences promote the latest and greatest teachers. But apart from God’s direction it is meaningless. The pursuit of wisdom should also be ongoing. A person doesn’t get one infusion of wisdom and then never have to seek it again. It’s not like winning the lottery and then never working again. It is to be a daily and diligent pursuit. We can’t be like the ant for one year (or even once a week) and then be sluggards the rest of the time (Proverbs 6:6).
This is kind of a convicting realization for me, because I love to read, learn, and research topics related to church management and leadership, and I try to find ways to implement the best policies and practices that I uncover. And although that is a good thing, it has to be accompanied by seeking God’s wisdom in these matters. It is fairly easy to determine what is right from a legal standpoint, but not so easy to know what is best. For the Christian, that should come from God first and foremost.
I can think of many examples of times that people have great resources right in front of them and may even have policy manuals that tell them how to handle situations, and yet they misspeak or they take actions that are contrary to God’s Word and wisdom. Some choose to follow the wisdom of the world in ways that cause dissension in the Body of Christ and hinder God’s ministry through His Church.
We need God’s wisdom more than we often realize. Let’s get accustomed to seeking Him frequently and earnestly.
“For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity” (Proverbs 2:6-7).
© 2016 Dawn Rutan. The views stated may or may not reflect the beliefs of the pastor or leadership of Dulin’s Grove Church.
