Wisdom is an attainable thing. Often a thing we all desire. Most definitely a thing learned. As a human, we attain some level of wisdom simply by living. Wisdom is the discerning or judging of a matter to see if it is right or true or a lasting idea. Life teaches us wisdom. Paul wants to place a sharp contrast between the wisdom that we attain in our humanity from the wisdom we receive from the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ.
He also wants to place a sharp contrast between wisdom that we learn from men and/or religious teachings from that of the wisdom from God. Separating one wisdom from the other is difficult. Especially for those of us who can relate to being raised to live under the wisdom of man via religious teachings. For wisdom of man seeps into our very being, so that, when we hear of a contrasting concept we battle guilt and uncertainty. For some, fear and insecurity overwhelm.
Paul models a brilliant suggestion in siding this contrast. Use a two-edged sword. Look again at what he said in 1 Corinthians 2:2, “For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.” Paul studied Jesus Christ.
He knew God growing up. He met Jesus along the way. He was filled with the Spirit. He was following Jesus. Yet, he studied Jesus Christ and Jesus’ heart of love. This is the mighty power of the wisdom of God. His wisdom cuts to the heart of all wisdom. It discerns the thoughts and intents of the heart of the wisdom offered before you. And Paul chose to neglect all of his Biblical teaching as he studied Jesus Christ. This is brilliant. And slightly nerve-wracking. For knowledge brings confidence and drive. Paul had both. But he chose rather to start over. All confidence in his knowledge and wisdom were set aside. All drive to accomplish what mattered above all else were diminished to a mere nothing.
Everything was new and frightfully uncomfortable. Paul was scared, shaking in his boots, and stumbling over his words. Certainly not the Paul we compare ourselves to or desire to hold a match next to. You know who he was? He was a follower of Jesus who was learning how to follow Jesus by studying Jesus through the gift of wisdom that was in him since the moment he chose to follow Jesus.
This is you and me. This is our truth. We have knowledge and wisdom that have naturally settled its place in our heads. Then we met Jesus. We too have the wisdom of God in us. We too have the choice to make as to which form of wisdom we cling to, utilize, and grow.
Oh, that we follow Paul in his example and become students of Jesus Christ.
If you are engaged in an internal religious battle, I pray you will set your battle aside. Perhaps write each of those war-zone statements on a piece of paper, then read the story of Jesus and his heart of love. You will find His words written within the first four books of the New Testament (Matthew-John). You will read of his heart, his actions, his manners, his responses, and his purpose. As you read through these books, I truly believe you will find truths to write over the statements on your paper. Over time, and through his truth, you will silence the war within. You will grow in wisdom of God. You will experience a whole new feeling of freedom to be the child of God you were destined to be. Not in man’s wisdom but in God’s.
EXCERPT from Judged Not: Living your life in the Freedom of Judgment
SCRIPTURE REFERENCE: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5
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