Wisdom for the asking

That bumper sticker, “I am spending my children’s inheritance,” is about only part of it. While we can give our kids money and stuff, we also give them much of who we are. My parents left money and land, but they also gave us a work ethic and other values.

The Bible says, “The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand” (John 3:35). This includes far more than the world and all its stuff. Jesus is the image of God so we can see the One who is Spirit and invisible, but He also has the attributes of His Father. Here then is an ocean where we could dive forever and never reach the bottom!

Consider one part of God’s gift to His Son — wisdom. Colossians 2:2–3 speaks of Christ, “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” 1 Corinthians 1:23-24 puts it this way, “We preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.”

Yet this wisdom goes farther. It is from the Father the Son, but also from the Son to those who are His. Think of this — His gift of wisdom is also ours…

And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption. (1 Corinthians 1:30)

If I have the wisdom of God, why then can I be so dumb, stupid, and foolish, making decisions without thinking and tripping over myself continually? Today’s devotional says I am a poor feeble soul who can do nothing. This is so true, yet God offers me His wisdom. Instead of making decisions apart from Him, He also offers to work in me so that I want things His way, and am able also to do things His way. I cannot obey God in my own strength. I must come to Christ in the power of Christ, which is also the power of God.

To do this, a person must admit their need and receive Christ who has everything, even all the holiness of God. We were made in God’s image but this was lost because of sin. My behavior proves that I am not what God intended. However, Christ has all the fullness of God. In Him, I can be person God intends.

This means that I have to take all matters to Him instead of acting apart from what He says or directs. Faith says that the wisdom of God can be trusted. The Bible affirms it. I need to let go of my pride and self-effort and simply ask for it.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. (James 1:5–6)

I’ve been bugged for weeks with a particular issue. I know what to do, but have no idea where to start or even how to do it, but instead of asking for wisdom, I’ve been trying to figure it out by myself. How typical of me, and how typical of God to give me a shake and show me where I’m in error and what to do about it.

The Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints. Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path; for wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul. (Proverbs 2:6–10)