October 26 Thought for the day...wisdom is the key

I enjoy listening to people who are far better educated than I am. Their insights can often inspire me to do things better, to challenge me in thought. However, education has its limits. It generally comes from man, but wisdom, true wisdom, comes from God. It is the key to impact our world and have great success. Failures typically occur because of broken focus, and broken focus is generally caused by a lack of wisdom. James gives us the key to keeping our focus.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. James 1:5

Have you ever had a lack of something? I remember the gas lines in the late '70s. I remember my luggage being lost in Russia when the wall first came down and being three weeks without any clothes. There have been other times when financially, we had some severe struggles. Lack is not a fun thing. The word literally means a shortfall, a deficiency, or a shortage. A lack of wisdom can create a fear of failure, which can paralyze us, so we are unable to make decisions. Bills don't get paid, essential choices are placed on hold, appointments are not kept, relationships fall apart, or jobs are lost all because of a lack of wisdom.

James encourages us that God will freely give as much wisdom as we need if we ask. Why is wisdom such a key? Education will provide us with all the information and facts we can handle. Wisdom is important because it gives us principles, insight, and solutions. Information and facts will fail us because they are limited to man's understanding, but the principles that wisdom gives us can carry us through anything because they are from the Lord.

When James in writing "ask," he is saying to be tenacious, adamant, but respectful. Pursue asking the Lord for the wisdom you need until you receive it. God's wisdom is far greater than anything man can produce. The "word of wisdom" is one of the most disrespected gifts of the Holy Spirit, too many take it for granted when in reality, not prophecy, reading of scripture, understanding of teaching or preaching can be as effective without it. Here is one passage from Proverbs that will help you understand the importance of wisdom,

"Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away from the words of my mouth. Do not forsake her, and she will keep you; love her, and she will guard you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight. Prize her highly, and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her. She will place on your head a graceful garland; she will bestow on you a beautiful crown.” Proverbs 4:5-9