Contemplating Wisdom.

We all want it right? What does it look like? I've been thinking about wisdom a lot lately. I think the truly wise are truly humble and meek and gentle and otherwise full of beautiful fruit. When I examine my life I can see internalized wisdom, head knowledge that comes with experience but I will be the first to admit that I long for that rich wisdom that oozes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness and self control in sticky situations. Here are a few thoughts that have been ministering to me from a little bible study handbook that has been gracing my bathroom shelf for the past month *wink*.

Wisdom is a lifelong process.

The maturation process will continue until the day we die. We need to seek God's wisdom every day of our lives. Every new set of circumstances, every new stage of life will require that we be involved in the lifelong discipline of seeking God's wisdom.

Wisdom is a painful process.

The discipline required in the search for God's wisdom will always involve some pain. Pain, however, produces a harvest of righteousness and peace. (Hebrews 12:11)

Acquiring wisdom is a necessary process for obedience.

The catch is that we must ensure we are acquiring God's wisdom. Wisdom has always been a highly desirable quality. The quest for wisdom was the basis for the first temptation and eventual fall of mankind. The serpent presented the fruit of the tree as the pathway to wisdom. However, there was no wisdom in the serpent's advice because eating the fruit was a direct contradiction of God's will. Today there exists an abundance of counterfeit wisdom. Popular talk shows and magazines offer advice and counsel to millions who seek guidance on living abundantly in this (as every other) complicated age. In order to weed our way through all the counterfeit wisdom in our society, we must know the characteristics of God's wisdom.

God's wisdom is.... (James 3:17)

Pure.

We can be sure that any counsel or advice that violates God's standards of moral purity is not wisdom from God. But beyond just moral purity, God's wisdom promotes purity of heart and motive. Any thought or action that contradicts God's holiness should be weeded out of our lives. This has been a big one for me lately. I've been suffering from what I could deem "righteous indignation" over a number of circumstances in my life. What God came to show me this past week is that if I am not feeling intrinsic love and concern and a desire to pray fervently for the people/situations that I am feeling indignant about then I have given the enemy a foothold to set up shop and corrupt me. It doesn't mean that I am not right in my assessment of what is going on, but the way I choose to respond to the situation is the proof in the pudding of how spiritually mature or immature I really am.

Peace Loving.

Those who are wise will seek to preserve peace where it exists and restore peace where it no longer exists. The wise woman will endeavor to create an atmosphere of calmness and serenity in her home and in all of her relationships. Through organization and decor and attitude she can develop an environment and a character that is conducive to peace. Through her joyful and calm spirit she can bring God's peace to everyone around her. I cried when I read this, and I tear up even now, typing it out. This is a deep seated desire of mine, to be beautiful and to bless and minister and restore by seeking to acquire and live out this kind of peace.

Considerate.

Heavenly wisdom is not rude or smug. It does not persist in self-promoting or monopolizing conversation, but provides a listening ear and a compassionate heart. It pays as much attention to the feelings of a child as to the feelings of a person of worldly rank or importance. It doesn't let anyone fall through the cracks. It builds people up rather than making them feel inferior and second rate.

Submissive.

It is willing to yield to reasonable requests out of an intrinsic trust in God's sovereignty and His desire for us to serve rather than to be served.

Full of mercy and good fruit.

Acting in accordance with God's wisdom means readily extending forgiveness to all who offend us. Such action frees us from the bonds of bitterness. It also helps us understand and receive God's unconditional acceptance of us. Heavenly wisdom goes a step beyond forgiveness though, by including the offer of goodness to others. Generosity and cheerfulness will be typical actions of a wise woman.

Impartial and sincere.

A wise person need not hide any part of his or her person from another. Impartiality and sincerity go hand and hand. If you are impartial, you can be sincere and your sincerity will bless and minister to others and build intimacy and trust through the bonds of fellowship.

"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." James 1:5

"Wisdom is supreme, therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Esteem her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. She will set a garland of grace on your head and present you with a crown of splendor." Proverbs 4:7-9

my thoughts and excerpts from the bible study handbook "The Beauty of a Disciplined Life" by Rebecca Gates.