91. Wisdom
1 Corinthians 1:30a But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom….
Wisdom = always knowing what to do. We all wish we were wise; we all want to know the right thing to do at the right time and in the right way. We need to be confident in making decisions; we often wish we could be more decisive. We know that at certain crisis points in life going one way or another, doing one thing or another, will make all the difference for our lives. We don’t usually voice this as a desire, but we truly do wish we were wise. If we were wise, we would always make good choices that lead to a better life.
Actually, this desire for wisdom is a part of the First Sin, the original sin of Adam. Satan’s temptation [Genesis 3:6]: “…the tree was to be desired to make one wise.” We desire the tree of the knowledge of good and evil in order that we may know what is good or bad for me, that is, what is to my advantage or not. In other words, how can I get more money, power and fame for myself? “What’s in it for me?” The problem with a sinful desire for wisdom is that it turns love inward upon myself instead of outward for others. I want wisdom for myself because I have taken the love God created me with and curved it in upon myself. So I choose to eat of the tree.
But God does promise us wisdom: He placed us in Christ Jesus whom God made unto us wisdom; He gives us Christ. However, the wisdom that comes from above is not the kind of wisdom that we selfishly wanted. The kind of wisdom God gives us in Christ is that we always know what to do for the good of others, and I am willing to choose that way even it means sacrifice for me. The consequences of having the wisdom of God and living God’s way are going to be good for our wellbeing and for us. This is the kind of wisdom we really want and need, but we must admit that it is too often the “wisdom from below” that we desire. This is repentance and faith. Then the Gospel has the power to effect this 180-degree change. Believing the promise that Christ is made unto us wisdom makes us wise: I know what to do. The Gospel changes both our desire and our ability to do it.
“With all your getting, get wisdom.” How do I get it? You get it by faith in Christ. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Fear of God = faith in Christ. Believe!