Wisdom and Discretion
“My son, do not lose sight of these—keep sound wisdom and discretion, and they will be life for your soul and adornment for your neck. Then you will walk on your way securely, and your foot will not stumble. If you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.” ESV Proverbs 3:21-24
Our Sunday school class just finished up a couple of related studies. In the first one, we studied the book of James and explored the idea of thinking biblically in everyday situations. In the second, we took a refresher course in the exercise of basic spiritual disciplines like prayer, personal bible study and spending time worshipping God. While each study was enjoyable and thoroughly biblical, I wonder whether either study will make a difference in anyone’s life?
Two, maybe three years ago now, our former pastor put some thought into the foundational pillars that he envisioned would help guide us as a church and keep us on track in our Christian faith for years to come. Those five pillars are God’s word, worship, prayer, ministry and missions. Each of these pillars can be put into action individually and as group. Each pillar is biblically based and I heartily agree that they make a fine, even essential, foundation to build on. I wonder though, will they make a difference in anyone’s life?
The answer lies in how and if these truths are applied. If they are ignored or twisted to apply in some kind of self-centered, what’s in it for me fashion, then they won’t make any difference; that’s same as attitude of society in general. But if they are taken to heart and applied in a God-centered, how can I serve Him fashion, then they produce the two things in us that our verse warns us not to lose sight of—wisdom and discretion.
But I wonder still, if wisdom and discretion are fruits of applying these biblical principles in a God-centered way, how does the fruit look and taste? I see at least three things in our verse that give us clues.
First, wisdom and discretion create an inner peace that surpasses all understanding. And that inner peace creates an outward glow that shines brighter to the world than fine jewels and gold. Secondly, wisdom and discretion allow us to walk along this stony path of life with a sure foot. Like a mountain goat scaling the face of a ragged cliff, we can face each day confidently and negotiate the loose stones of temptation along the way that would cause us to stumble before God. Finally, if wisdom and discretion are yours, the rigors of the day will not rob you of your faith in the almighty LORD and your sleep will be sweet.
Wisdom and discretion—beautiful, sweet fruits worthy of cultivating in every life.
Ken Askew
Our Sunday school class just finished up a couple of related studies. In the first one, we studied the book of James and explored the idea of thinking biblically in everyday situations. In the second, we took a refresher course in the exercise of basic spiritual disciplines like prayer, personal bible study and spending time worshipping God. While each study was enjoyable and thoroughly biblical, I wonder whether either study will make a difference in anyone’s life?
Two, maybe three years ago now, our former pastor put some thought into the foundational pillars that he envisioned would help guide us as a church and keep us on track in our Christian faith for years to come. Those five pillars are God’s word, worship, prayer, ministry and missions. Each of these pillars can be put into action individually and as group. Each pillar is biblically based and I heartily agree that they make a fine, even essential, foundation to build on. I wonder though, will they make a difference in anyone’s life?
The answer lies in how and if these truths are applied. If they are ignored or twisted to apply in some kind of self-centered, what’s in it for me fashion, then they won’t make any difference; that’s same as attitude of society in general. But if they are taken to heart and applied in a God-centered, how can I serve Him fashion, then they produce the two things in us that our verse warns us not to lose sight of—wisdom and discretion.
But I wonder still, if wisdom and discretion are fruits of applying these biblical principles in a God-centered way, how does the fruit look and taste? I see at least three things in our verse that give us clues.
First, wisdom and discretion create an inner peace that surpasses all understanding. And that inner peace creates an outward glow that shines brighter to the world than fine jewels and gold. Secondly, wisdom and discretion allow us to walk along this stony path of life with a sure foot. Like a mountain goat scaling the face of a ragged cliff, we can face each day confidently and negotiate the loose stones of temptation along the way that would cause us to stumble before God. Finally, if wisdom and discretion are yours, the rigors of the day will not rob you of your faith in the almighty LORD and your sleep will be sweet.
Wisdom and discretion—beautiful, sweet fruits worthy of cultivating in every life.
Ken Askew
posted by TBC at
6/05/2009 06:36:00 AM
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