Call for Wisdom

Wisdom is required more often than we realize. It is wisdom that cuts through emotion and gets to the reality of the situation. “What is the wise thing to do?” is an effective question in decision-making. “What is best for the enterprise?” is a wise question to ask as it relates to business and ministry. And, many times, God speaks through money—or the lack thereof. So, if money is tight, then we need to be extremely wise with expenditures. Wisdom says to cut back on expenses and do not add additional costs. At this point it is not about lack of faith, it is about being a wise steward with what you have so that you can be trusted with more. Wise stewardship attracts generous givers.

Another characteristic of wisdom is that it is neither impatient nor desperate. Wisdom takes a step back and thoroughly evaluates a situation before charging ahead. For instance, your child has been accepted simultaneously into a state college, and an out-of-state college. By attending the in-state school the first year, you have the option to save and pay cash for the out-of-state tuition the following year. You are wise when you take opportunities like this to avoid debt. Harmless debt today frequently becomes unwise debt tomorrow.

So, are you soliciting wisdom on a consistent basis? Knowledge and experience mixed with common sense and discernment is a great recipe for wisdom. Wisdom is seeking to understand God’s perspective on matters. This is why the wisdom found in God’s Word is so relevant for living. The Bible is a treasure trove of wisdom waiting to be discovered by the wise wisdom hunter. Seek out wisdom, and you will find something more valuable than money or possessions. Any fool can stumble into money, but only the wise can retain riches. Wisdom sits under our nose waiting to be tapped.

Therefore, don’t not merely pray, read and meditate on the Bible, but also seek out the wise. Look for people with gray in their hair and who exhibit wise behavior. The wise will help you validate the inkling of wisdom you are beginning to grasp from your study of Scripture. Read books and listen to messages from men and women who are wise. Try to expose your mind and heart daily to sources of wisdom. Hang out long enough with wisdom, and it will rub off on you. So, take every opportunity to call on wisdom. Be wise in your relationships. Be wise with your money. Be wise with your time. Before you realize it, your wisdom will attract others who are hungry for the same.

Moreover, the crown jewel of wisdom accumulation may be the fear of the Lord. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline”(Proverbs 1:7). The fear of God positions you to receive wisdom. No fear of God means no wisdom. No wonder our world is flush with fools! We have lost our fear of God, and thus wisdom has alluded us. The fear of the Lord is an incubator for wisdom. God dispenses wisdom to those who fear Him.

Therefore, love God, but fear Him. Worship God, but fear Him. Learn of God, but fear Him. Serve God, but fear Him. Your fear of God qualifies you for wisdom. Do not become so familiar with God that you lose your fear of God. This is unwise and leads to foolishness. Wisdom awaits your harvest call. Pluck it and enjoy it, like plump, luscious, and juicy fruit on a hot summer day. Taste and see that wisdom is good. No one has ever complained of attaining too much wisdom. Call on wisdom often. Seek out the wise, and ask them and God for wisdom. This is the wise thing to do!

Taken from Dose 89 in the 90-day devotional book, “Infusion”… http://bit.ly/bQHNIE

Post/Tweet this today: The fear of the Lord is an incubator for wisdom. #wisdom #Lord