We live in a world filled with abounding knowledge and advice. With a touch of a button, you find a video explaining how to fix anything around your house or your life. Because of this plus 24 hour news, thousands of voice books, eBooks, and friends; we are overwhelmed by knowledge. With so much knowledge; how, can we ever discern what is best or true. How can we find true wisdom to guide our lives or to make a decision? In a World of Abundant Knowledge; is Wisdom lost to all the rhetoric and ideologies?
Throughout scripture we are told to seek wisdom. All too often, we think that the Bible is referring only to spiritual questions when speaking of wisdom or that perhaps that wisdom is reserved for only a few elite Christian scholars. Certainly, Paul was not speaking to an elite few when he wrote:
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Colossians 3:16
ALL WISDOM
Paul suggested that we are to allow the gospel of Christ to first bring us to a place of salvation; after, which we are filled with the Holy Spirit. As we read and study scripture, we grow in our knowledge of God and all the wonderful promises that are ours because of the redemptive work of Jesus Christ in our lives. However, remember the group that Paul was writing to did not have the benefit of scripture. They relied on memory and the word being passed by others. Because they were gentiles surrounded by many philosophers and Jews; they, were bombarded by ideologies and knowledge. They did not have the Bible to help them discern.
On the other hand, they did have Jesus Christ and the indwelling Holy Spirit to rely upon. Furthermore, they did have teachers to guide them such as Paul. Note that Paul pointed out that in the Words of Christ, they would be rich in all wisdom. This goes beyond just spiritual wisdom; but, also included wisdom to make the right choices.
When God told Moses to build the tabernacle, He outlined every detail. Additionally, God told Moses who was to be the lead craftsmen and seamstresses; because, God had filled them each with the spirit of God in wisdom, understanding and skill. Exodus 31:3-5 was one example demonstrating this.
And I have filled him with the spirit of God in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship to device cunning works, to work in gold, and in silver, and in brass, and in cutting of stones, to set them, and in carving of timber to work in all manner of workmanship.
THE WISDOM TO ENCOURAGE
Furthermore, note that Paul wrote that they were to use this God given wisdom to be a source of encouragement, hope and joy to those around them. What he asked that they do with this rich wisdom was to teach and admonish one another with “psalms, hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Because of God’s Grace, their hearts should be overflowing with joyous songs filled with hope. In the darkest and hardest of times, songs of thanksgiving can strengthen and lift a heart that is downcast from trials.
A TESTIMONY OF GRACE
Paul outlined in the Colossian letter, how to live a life that testifies of Jesus Christ. He presented clearly the fruits of the true follower of Jesus Christ in a step by step guide. As we have been studying, he presented the truth that Christ gives us the power to display unconditional love without relinquishing truth. In Christ, we can fearlessly face any trial or conflict with a calm, peace filled faith. Because of the unwavering truth of God’s word, we are given the wisdom to know how to encourage others while guiding them to the truth of the gospel. You see, in Christ; our wisdom is based upon our In-Christ Quotient, not our IQ. Christ is the 1. I come to the table with 0. 1/0=Infinity.
PROMISE OF WISDOM
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. James 1:5
Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Psalm 51:5-7
the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding. He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. Proverbs 2:6-7
CONCLUDING TWEETS
[bctt tweet=”Abounding Knowledge Does Not Always Make One Wise; A Humble Discerning Heart Can.” username=”effiedarlene”]
[bctt tweet=”Wisdom is not measured by one’s IQ. It is measured by ICQ (In Christ Quotient) 1/0=infinity” username=”effiedarlene”]
[tweetthis]ICQ Christ is the only 1. I come to the table with 0. 1/0 = infinity. [/tweetthis]Christ is the only 1. I come to the table with 0. 1/0 = infinity.
Photo by permission: https://unsplash.com/@mancio00
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.