Tag: wisdom

The Wisdom Paradox

Rob WoodrumLeave a comment

“Wisdom shouts in the streets.

    She cries out in the public square.

She calls to the crowds along the main street,

    to those gathered in front of the city gate.” ~Proverbs 1:20-21

I don’t know about you, but when I think of wisdom, I don’t often imagine it calling out to us in the streets and the busy places we find ourselves. However, from the beginning, the Bible paints a consistent picture of wisdom that is in sharp contrast with the world around us. We see this thought continued in the New Testament with Paul who is writing the church in Corinth. We’ll be continuing our study in 1 Corinthians this Sunday, reading ch 1:18-31. Paul is desperate to remind the church that God’s wisdom should look different than the world’s wisdom. He also reminds them that what the world has to offer, especially in terms of wisdom, is actually quite foolish and insignificant compared to what God has to offer.

So, why is Paul telling the Corinthians about wisdom and reminding them about who is the “smartest of them all”? Well, since the book of Corinthians is a response and not the beginning of a conversation, we have to use context and our imagination to fill in the gaps. Last week’s verses emphasized the importance of unity and this week Paul is emphasizing God’s wisdom above our own. Could Paul be mentioning this because the Christians in Corinth are trying to change the gospel so that it looks and sounds less foolish to the world around them? Or maybe Paul is mentioning this because the Corinthians were using things like philosophy and scholarship to determine who had the highest standing among the Christians in that area? Whatever the reason, I think it’s safe to assume that a lack of humility and an abundance of pride is probably at the center of it all.

Even though it would be oh so easy to judge the “simple” Corinthians for falling into such follies, we want to remember how to hold the scripture that we read. We want to hold this living word up like a mirror to ourselves and see the places in our hearts that God wants to reach. I invite you to join us this Sunday at 10:00 AM as we consider the context and explore this scripture together.

Wise Living in Troubled Times

Rob Woodrum1 Comment

How many times have you faced a crisis situation, or found yourself surrounded by one trouble after another, and your most prominent question has been: “What should I do?”  We are never more in need of divine guidance than when we are faced with difficult circumstances in life.  Sure, life is filled with decisions and choices that must be made and we want to make them all wisely, but the potential for making bad choices or reacting in an unhealthy way increases exponentially when faced with troubles.

That’s the point that James will be making in our study this Sunday as we read James 1:5-8.  How to judge correctly and follow the best course of action when faced with troubles.

As you read these few verses, it is very straightforward counsel that Jim gives. It starts with admitting our lack of wisdom. Why do you think this is so difficult for us as humans?

Once we admit we are powerless, we are encouraged to ask for wisdom…from whom?  What sort of picture does the text paint of God here? Do you shrink in fear from this description, or feel emboldened to approach? Why?

Based on the description you read – when James says “ask in faith, don’t think you’ll receive anything if you doubt.” – do you feel any tension between his encouragement to ask and this warning? I had always been taught that this passage meant that if I didn’t have enough, or the right kind of faith, God had no interest in helping me.  Faith is the magic you use to entice God to respond…without it, he doesn’t care. At least that’s how I had come to imagine it.  Yet as I read this passage, I realize something. This is not about God’s willingness, this is about our ability to  receive the help that God is offering. If I ask you to write me an email, but I never check my inbox to see if you have….what does that say about me and my request?

Maybe what Jim is asking us to do is open our eyes when we pray…look around for the answer God has given and stop second guessing him and ourselves? Have a little trust that he loves us and he wants to help.

It’s stuff to ponder to be sure.  Hope to see you this Sunday!  We’ll be observing communion during the worship time, so don’t be late!