This summer we are in the book of Proverbs and calling it, The Book of Suburbs. That is, how do we subvert the wisdom of the place we find ourselves. I happen to like the suburbs—I have lived there most of my life. But the problem is, there are many assumptions about living in the suburbs that will deform our souls so that we will live as lesser creatures than God intended and never know the true thriving and abundant life Jesus talks about, if we do not ruthlessly question everything.
This week we are talking about how to get wisdom or training in wisdom. As my title suggests, wisdom is like a school we attend—it is a long, slow process. Everything about gaining wisdom for living life well is counter-intuitive to what we are immersed in daily. We can’t get wisdom or power through technique. We can’t push a button, we can’t take a pill, nor can we go to a weekend seminar. The dream of our age is power without effort, influence without engagement with real people, and everything we need to know stuffed neatly in our back pocket.
When we read the Bible, we see a different path to wisdom. Yes, wisdom is called a path. It is a long obedience that starts with the opposite of expressive individualism—humility. Like being on a path, it is gained through mundane habits and practices, a community of wise friends, failure and pain. We might say, true wisdom starts with death! Are we encouraged yet? Seriously, wisdom is what the Bible says we need desperately if we are to navigate the complexities of life, when 90% of our decisions have no chapter and verse to guide our decision making. And yet we neglect this, to our own peril. So join me Sunday as we enter into the school of wisdom.
On another topic, what a week at VBS—it was magical! Talk about a case study in wisdom acquired over time—to put on such an event to bless 150 kids in our town, with 50 youth volunteers and countless adults who graciously spent a week serving our children. Thank you to all who gave time and effort to be a blessing.
Blessings,
Jim