Exploring Biblical Wisdom - Words From the WiseSample

Last time, we saw from James 1:5 that wisdom is freely available as a gift from God for anyone who asks in faith. But sometimes there are obstacles within ourselves which need to be overcome before we reach out.

For instance, we might tell ourselves, ‘I don’t deserve this’, or ‘this can’t include me’. We put ourselves down based upon a low sense of self-worth or of God’s love for us. Alternatively, we may have too high a view of ourselves. ‘I can manage without anything from God. I’ve got enough wisdom of my own, thank you very much.’ For still others, the main response to God’s gift of wisdom might be indifference. ‘Do I really need this? What use will it be anyway?’

In all cases, our hesitation or reluctance to receive in no way implies an unwillingness on God’s part. If we lack wisdom, the problem is ours.

One issue in receiving from God lies in how we regard the Christian faith generally. Is Christianity a religion or a relationship? A religion tells us we must earn things from God. But Christianity is a relationship with a loving heavenly father who bestows gifts on his children (Jas 1:17, Matt 7:7-8). This is true in all aspects of Christianity, including salvation (Eph 2:8), eternal life (Rom 6:23), and the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:4-5). This is grace in operation, a total contrast to contemporary life, which is merit-based, performance-related, and achievement-orientated, attitudes which shape just about everything we do. But if we apply this outlook to Christianity, then we restrict ourselves from receiving anything from God, including wisdom.

A powerful motivation in asking for anything is developing a strong desire for it, even to the point of it becoming a serious ambition in life. When I was younger, I had the unusual ambition of wanting to become wise. That may seem a strange ambition at such an early stage in life. Of course, I had other ambitions too: playing cricket for England, touring the world as a concert pianist. But in both those cases, talent was required! More talent than I clearly had!

But gaining wisdom was different. The Bible told me I didn’t need a specific talent to become wise. It was freely offered. And here was an offer I didn’t want to refuse.

What do you really desire in life? What is your ambition, however old or young you are? And will wisdom be part of this?