What’s In Your Wake? (Wisdom series part 2)

AUGUST 13, 2020

By Pastor Steve Peich

Not too long ago I was watching a science show hosted by scientific mega-mind Neil DeGrasse Tyson. In this episode he was talking to younger scientists who were excited about the seemingly “endless possibilities” of replacing our human parts with new and artificial robotic parts. One of the young scientists spoke of how such strides will be able to prolong our lives, perhaps by hundreds of years! Tyson didn’t share their excitement. He paused a moment and then asked, “But do we have the wisdom to walk well with such advances?” What did he understand that they didn’t?

Yesterday I gave my rendition of what biblical wisdom is: The skillful and godly application of God’s values, purposes, and truth in the many practical affairs of everyday life. Today I want to focus on why I use the word “godly” in my definition. 

Look at James 3 below, where James writes about having “wisdom from above.” He teaches us that Biblical wisdom is filled with and leaves behind a “godly footprint.” 

James 3.15-18  Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom… But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

Notice how wisdom is more than just knowing the right thing, but it is living out and leaving behind the right character, peace, righteousness, humility, mercy, fruitfulness, and more. Wisdom doesn’t simply leave behind smart ideas in its wake, but it leaves behind more of God’s will, God’s values, God’s love and peace, and people are the better for it.

Why make this point? Because to be wise is not simply to be right, but to be right in the right way, at the right time, for the right reasons, to the right degree, to the glory of God and the good of all.

For example, my dad was “Joe Mechanic.” This guy could build a car engine blindfolded, and of course he would try to teach me how to fix engines. He would tell me what to do, but then would get immediately and fiercely frustrated with me when I didn’t do it correctly. He would often tersely bark out: “No, you don’t do it like that, you do it like this! For crying out loud!” 

Now he was right of course in his correction, but he was not wise. Why do I say that? Because his correction was to the wrong degree, meaning, it was over the top and it left behind in me humiliation and discouragement.

What do you leave behind when you are “right” in an argument or when you speak about politics, racial relations, or the church? What is left behind in the hearts of others when you correct or even rebuke them? More of God’s values, character, and peace? Or something else entirely? You may, in fact, have greater knowledge and be absolutely right in making your point, but do you have God’s wisdom as you make it? 

Prayer: Lord, help me not only to be right, but to be wise. May my expressed ideas, opinions, and corrections be filled with Your character and leave behind more of Your love, peace, and goodness in others. Amen.

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