Monday, October 22, 2007

Wisdom is Passionate

I may have said something about this before, but it occurred to me again to say that wisdom is passionate. In this case its not just to say it, but to write it down in a place where I and others will see it. My reason for brining it up is that it's not hard to notice that where we see wisdom we see it in a very subdued package. The people we count as wise, we often also count as old. But today I was reminded that I want so much to see people who are both wise and energetic. Grey bearded pastors playing soccer with local kids and adolescent youths giving truthfully simple answers to ancient questions.

But my favorite example of wisdom has always been the Jr. High kids I "led" in Teen Bible Challenge. Two in particular became my living examples of Psalms 119:99-100 which says...

"I have more insight than all my teachers,
for Your testimonies are my meditation.
I understand more than the aged,
Because I have observed Your precepts."

As I start to consider myself "older" I can't say I'm nearly as wise as I was when I was even a few years younger, eager to act (which to me is a mark of true wisdom) and full of passion which meant I had a reason to act. As I get older I consider my wisest moments to be those that looked a little foolish until I acted.

"... wisdom is vindicated by her deeds." Matthew 11:19

I've heard another translation that says, "wisdom is vindicated by her children."

Wisdom is not theoretical.

Wisdom acts.

I remember saying to a friend once that we often mistake routine for faithfulness and I think it's just as true that we often mistake breathing for living and knowledge for wisdom. We have many clever impostors of good things. But the good things come with a cost. Lesser things come with cheapness to them we can't see until we've worn them out.

I've slipped into a sinful state and coming out of it what I miss most is the vitality that comes from obedience. What sin kills most immediately is your awareness of the possibility of your life and by extension what is really wise to do. Lesser gospels (that is to say religion) don't restore the possibility of what your life could be.

Wisdom seeks life; one true Life. And it will give up anything for it. Godly wisdom sends men to lion's dens and crosses, to hide in caves and keep fighting while outnumbered. It isn't tame.

And I pray that you and I will have that kind of wisdom.

posted by Scott # 7:43 PM

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