Worldly wisdom vs. Godly wisdom
Some of my most popular teachings have been on the beliefs of other religions. Looking at Scientology was quite fascinating and also disturbing. The religion has a technical dictionary of 3000 new terms and concepts and is difficult to get a handle on. Wait--is it a religion? There is no belief in a supreme being . . . hmmm.
L. Ron Hubbard, science fiction author and the founder of Dianetics: the science of the mind, studied eastern religions and the occult then charted a course of self-discovery i.e., Scientology. When an adherent has worked through all of the markings (engrams) on his mind and soul, working diligently with his auditor and her e-meter, he may eventually be "clear". Understand that a great deal of money must be spent in order to be deemed such, because working with the auditor to achieve each higher level involves courses of study which must be purchased. It is not cheap to be deemed Clear, which makes sense as Hubbard said, "You don't get rich writing science fiction. If you want to get rich, you start a religion."
Why the appeal? The religion purports to increase your intelligence quotient, and actually make you a smarter person -- more enlightened as well. In short, it appeals greatly to one's ego.Is that wisdom?
The world has offered its own brand of wisdom for centuries, going all the way back to the Greek philosopher, Socrates, born in 469 B.C., then Plato and Aristotle. . . all devoted to the pursuit of knowledge. It seems Augustine got it right in his Confessions: "They say many true things about the creature (creation), but they do not seek with true piety for the Truth, the Architect of Creation, and hence they do not find Him." Nor do they find wisdom.
Hundreds of years before these famous Greek thinkers was Solomon, son of King David, For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. . . Proverbs 2.6
Bookmarked by the half brother of our Lord, James, who wrote: If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God. . . >>true wisdom comes from God.1 The world only offers counterfeit wisdom - erudite philosophies though they may be.
Further into the great little book of James (just five insightful chapters), he expounds: But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure, then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.2
True wisdom emanates from the heart of God--it is not prideful or puffed up. But the amazing thing about it is that we do not have to take classes in it or keep searching for the latest cultural iteration of it, it can be had by asking God for it. And God will give generously, especially as we seek to understand what his wisdom looks like.
God is generous. If we seek to know him, his wisdom, his directions and plans for us, we will be wise - a wisdom not of ourselves or the trending, shifting philosophies of this world.
“As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
God has been in the wisdom-giving business for a long time!
Wisdom. . . not proud or puffed up
Wisdom. . . practical and sincere
Wisdom. . . direction for our lives
Wisdom. . . divine truth
Wisdom. . . available for you, for me
Ask God for it today~
1 - James 1.5
2 - James 3.17
3 - Isaiah 55.8
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