Wisdom in Action

Wisdom is more than knowledge.  It involves knowledge, but wis­dom also requires patience, discernment, perspective, humility, and application (that is, putting the truth into practice).

Unfortunately, in today’s digital age, in this world of social media chatter and endless online distraction, wisdom swims against the current.  As Erik Raymond points out in a recent article, “If Satan can’t destroy you he is content to simply divert you.”  In The Screwtape Letters, C. S. Lewis notes that the more a believer gives in to distraction, the more that “anything or nothing is sufficient to attract his wandering attention” (p. 55).

Our minds flit; our eyes dart here-there-anywhere.  But wisdom takes focus, and focus requires discipline.  And yet, discipline is an “anti-virtue” in our info-tainment age.  So is there hope for us?

Yes.  But the way isn’t easy.  As in any era, being the church is a tall order; our mission isn’t a breeze—never has been, never will be.  God’s good calling for all who become his forever-children by trusting in Jesus involves being “in but not of the world.”

That means venturing into the digital wilderness with the compass of Christ, speaking up, showing kindness, & loving people enough to challenge the fear and pride that hold so many hearts.

It means learning the language, themes, and memes that animate our anxious age.  It means listening to the (perhaps unspoken) cries of online neighbors who crave belonging and security.

It means echoing Jesus’ invitation as we engage with an agitated world, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

Most of all, a life of Christian wisdom means worshipping God right where you are amidst the frenzy of our times:  “The fear of the Lord is the begin­ning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10).  Beware of anything that would dislodge God from center stage in your life!