Wisdom

    Wisdom is more than knowledge or intelligence.  If knowledge is the accumulation of facts, and intelligent is the development of reason, wisdom is found in the heavenly discernment and application of these things.  For the spiritual leader, wisdom is the strong foundation from which many decisions may be made.

    Spiritual wisdom involves knowing God and knowing self.  It is a Holy Spirit filled gift.  Jesus tells his disciples “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth... He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you” (John 16:12-14).  Spiritual wisdom grows with time, being sustained by the Spirit.

    Wisdom is introspective but it is also active.  Paul writes, “And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God” (Colossians 1:9-10).  The spiritual leader takes wisdom and applies it, understanding that mere knowledge of the truth is never enough.  We must also be doers of the word (James 1:22).

    If wisdom is sought out of self-ambition, it is a burdensome thing.  To face the human condition, entertaining the inevitable thoughts of depravity, wisdom can be a darkening thing.  King Solomon solemnly speaks “For in much wisdom is much vexation, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow” (Ecclesiastes 1:18).  The only way to bring wisdom out of the dark and into the light is to be filled with God's Spirit.  Spirit-filled wisdom understands man's dependance on God and joyfully makes the path of humility known.  “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10).

    The spiritual leader exercises and hones wisdom through spiritually attentive testing and discernment.  Paul writes “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2).  This kind of wisdom requires the transformation of our mind that can only come from the Lord.  It enables us to discern the will of God.

    Wisdom is more than knowledge or intelligence, it is also discernment and application.  Spiritual wisdom is humble and Holy Spirit filled, always yielding itself to the Word of God.  Wisdom is engaging eternal spiritual truth, which the Father gives us through Jesus through the Holy Spirit.