“Wisdom is Calling”

Scripture Reflection
“Wisdom calls aloud outside; she raises her voice in the open squares. She cries out in the chief concourses . . .” (Prov. 1:20-21). Wisdom is constantly seeking those who desire her. Tragically her calls often go unheeded. God provides numerous ways for people to gain wisdom but people are often content to continue functioning at the same level they always have. Observers have been referring to the “dumbing down” of North America. That is, many people in North America are making no effort to think at a higher level, or to think at all.

Young people today are addicted to computer games and “reality” shows. Millions of adults spend countless hours entranced before mind-numbing sitcoms every evening. Many people today don’t know how to think deeply about things nor do they see the need to. Unfortunately, this is often the case with spiritual leaders as well. While there are some wonderful, thought-provoking books available today, many Christian leaders profess they cannot find the time to wade through anything deeper than the latest best seller. While there are some teachers and preachers offering profound thinking on scripture and world events, too often the majority of Christians are drawn to the latest Christian pep rally that offers trite Christian clichés that require no reflective thought and often are unbiblical. There are some people who could offer insightful counsel if people were to ask them for it, but few people do. Why would Wisdom ever have to make an effort to be found by people? Why don’t people continually seek after it themselves? Could it be that our minds are like muscles. Some have neglected their mind for so long it is now too painful to think in a deep or prolonged fashion. For some, it is too humbling to admit that they need guidance and instruction. For others, at the current level of their living and leading, they don’t need to think any more deeply than they are already.

I spend a lot of time working with leaders. It always amazes me when people assume that by simply putting in time, their leadership skills will be enhanced and they will experience greater results. These leaders are relating to people in the same way they were five years ago. They have the identical leadership skills and knowledge base they had five years ago. They use the same problem solving methods and communication techniques they always have. Yet they assume that this year things will be different. We live in an age when Christians cannot continue to live and to lead at the same level they always have. We must go to an entirely new level. When an opportunity to gain wisdom comes, we must rush to find it and be prepared to pay any price to obtain it. In what ways are you wiser than you were last year?

Ministry

I have had the privilege over the past two months to teach two doctoral seminars on spiritual leadership. As we began the seminar at the Canadian Seminary in July, the students explained that the reason they were enrolled in the program was because they did not want to continue leading at the same level they had been previously. They had all experienced some significant ministry success, but they knew there was far more God wanted to do through them. They also recognized that to minister at a higher level they would have to learn and grow themselves. They couldn’t keep pulling out the same worn out leadership methods and yet see dramatically different results. I admire people who are willing to pay whatever price is necessary so they can be more effective ministers for their Lord.

It was also my privilege to minister with my father at Sandy Cove, Maryland this past week. It is always delightful to meet ministers who are filled with excitement about what they sense God wants to do through them to impact His kingdom. I love to hear people excitedly tell me about what they sense God wants to do in their ministry in the coming days. I pray their tribe will increase!

Reading

One of the books I read this month was Henry VIII: King and Court by Alison Weir. Having recently been in England I was immersed in English history and so I was inspired to read the biography of one of England’s most famous or infamous, leaders. Weir provides her typically thorough presentation of the historical context. Henry is certainly a fascinating study. He was an accidental king, having expected his older brother Arthur to reign. Henry began his rule with enormous promise and expectation. In many ways he was successful in leading his nation into the modern age. But Henry also had serious character issues which caused him to send many of his friends and some of his wives to the executioner’s block. This book, like so many biographies, presents the stark contrast that every person suffers between their potential to do good and the challenge of overcoming their character flaws that can destroy them and harm others.

I also pray that you are experiencing the joy that comes from knowing you are accomplishing God’s purposes for your life with His power.

Posted by Richard Blackaby at 6:37 pm