"...Both unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ,
the power of God and the wisdom of God."   - 1 Corinthians 1:24

 

      The dictionary defines wisdom as a knowledge that is gained by having many experiences in life. It is also described as a natural ability to understand things that most people cannot understand, or knowledge that is proper or reasonable-what we might call good sense. We often think that when a person makes a wise decision that it is based upon a well thought out plan or a choice that appears to be very calculated, clever or ingenious. But there are many different sides to wisdom besides just the natural wisdom of men. There is also a higher realm of wisdom that reaches beyond any natural ability or acquired ability. It is a wisdom that comes from outside forces or influence, which means its intended purpose may be motivated and directed toward good or evil. The Bible clearly differentiates between a wisdom that comes from above and that which does not come from above but is earthly, sensual, and devilish.  

      While the wisdom of this world is oftentimes associated with demonic influences, that does not mean all "natural" wisdom is dangerously inspired of Hell. There are many things within the realm of man's wisdom that engenders good and acceptable decision-making. We find when it is used for good that it can serve the greater purpose both in terms of creativity and productivity.

      However, this being the case, many times it is the power of outside influences that do play into the making of man's progress. Much of the things that man has created or developed have come through the influence of heaven. And much of the things that have been perverted or twisted for evil purposes have come through the inspiration of Hell.

      Paul said, "Lest Satan should get an advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices" (2 Cor. 2:11). It is so important that we, the church, look deep within to find the power of God's wisdom so that we are able to discern the true source of any outside influence. This most certainly applies to ways in which we seek advancement in the kingdom and the use of our gifts and talents for kingdom purposes. Sadly to say, there are places all throughout the body of Christ that have fallen prey to the subtleties of a worldly wisdom. They have sought to create a new genre in worship as well as present the gospel in a more fashionable décor, such as changing the church's ambiance with café's, coffee shops, game rooms and other seemingly innocent techniques, which are all designed to relate to those who are worldly minded.

      Second Corinthians two, tells us, "And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God" (2 Cor. 2:4-5). There is a wisdom that seeks to draw men through natural means, but there is a much higher, purer, and far more powerful means available to each of us to use if we will simply allow the influence of heaven to initiate how we carry out kingdom business.

      I find it very interesting how that all throughout the gospels and the Book of Acts that Jesus and his disciples sought a much deeper and more spiritual path in accomplishing their assignment instead of looking to the ways of man or the flesh. We owe it to ourselves and to our posterity to wholly lean on God's wisdom to fulfill the mission we have been given. Let's not allow ourselves to be swayed by any natural reasonableness that finds its roots in a seeker-friendly setting or tends toward worldly-mindedness. But rather, let us search out and cling to a more fulfilling method that carries the full weight of heaven's influence through the power of wisdom, a wisdom that is not only from above but which holds the key to dominion living.

      God's wisdom is our only source and ability to capture the values of heaven. It does not take worldly methods to achieve our goal.  I am far more willing to be ridiculed for my faith than to be acknowledged for my fashion. My faith costs me far more than that, and I will not devalue it by seeking a path that appeals to the flesh.*