godly wisdom

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The Well-Travelled Soul

May 19, 2025May 13, 2025 krisshetter

“That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might.”  Ephesians 1: 17-19

Have you ever heard someone young described as having an “old soul?” It usually describes a young person who seems to think and act much older than their actual years. Or someone who enjoys music, art, crafting, etc. from years past. I’ll be honest, I cringe when I hear this phrase. Because usually the person they describe just seems naturally more introverted. Not shy, just one who enjoys quiet. Quiet time and quiet activities.

In reality, all Christians must travel the highway of sanctification to attain true and deep wisdom. We gather it along the road in our baskets little by little with each trial and tribulation and heartbreak. Each time we act in God’s will, not the way of the world, we find another fruit in that basket. When we get to the end of our sanctification road, our dents, scratches, repairs and maybe even a little duct tape, will be our trophies of gathered wisdom.

I bring the “old soul” view up because it flies in the face of what the sanctification road means for a Christian. Worldly wisdom can only get us so far on this journey. We, however, seek the wisdom gifted by Christ Jesus. The wisdom that comes from the different steps we have discussed thus far: knowledge of our LORD, submission to the LORD, the experiences of trials, and the stewardship of all He has given us.

King Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 7:3-4, “Sorrow is better than laughter, for by sadness of face the heart is made glad. The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth.“

In other words, we learn a lot more about life, ourselves, others, and God when we face sadness and hardship. So that supposed 10 year old “old soul,” if raised in a modern society, has yet to gather much in their basket of life.

Worldly Wisdom vs. Godly Wisdom

What’s the difference between worldly wisdom and God’s wisdom? If you study Proverbs, you’ll see the best worldly wisdom has to offer actually comes directly from that book! The worst is highlighted throughout the Bible with names such as greed, lust, selfishness, pride, and vengeance. Worldly wisdom so often focuses on the “me” and not the “thee.”

The world tells us it is wise to go along with our loved ones’ sins. “Go along to get along.” “Don’t judge.” God’s Word flies in the face of this when He tells us: “My dear friends, if you know people who have wandered off from God’s truth, don’t write them off. Go after them. Get them back and you will have rescued precious lives from destruction and prevented an epidemic of wandering away from God.” (James 5:19-20 the Message)

We are likewise reminded when we share the freedom message of Christ Jesus it may separate us from those same friends and family—a worldly unwise move. In light of this, we hold on to the truth that this is yet another act of submitting; which brings us closer to God’s wise plan for our lives.

The world tells you it’s wise to have sex outside marriage. Why? Apparently so you know more about sex and can pick a good sex partner in marriage. And besides they say, it’s your “right” to have a little fun. The Bible tells us “There’s more to sex than mere skin on skin. Sex is as much spiritual mystery as physical fact. As written in Scripture, “The two become one.” Since we want to become spiritually one with the Master, we must not pursue the kind of sex that avoids commitment and intimacy, leaving us lonelier than ever—the kind of sex that can never “become one.” (1 Cor 16:19-20 the Message) The promoters of sexually immoral behavior call abstinence before marriage unwise. Yet God’s wisdom tells us to value this gift as precious.

My friends, besides standing with Jesus at the end of my life, my end-goal on this journey is wisdom. When to keep my mouth shut and when to speak. When to help others and when to be wary of fools. Recognizing good character and keeping far afield of pigs who want to steal my pearls. Remaining calm when the world says to panic. A knowing that forgiving those the world says I should hate actually heals my own soul.

This week’s question: What’s something you have become wiser about in your journey of life?

Next week we’ll take one last look at our sanctification journey as we wisely travel the road home.

For more study on wisdom check out these series: “31 Days of God’s Wisdom” and “Enjoy Life: From Meaningless to Meaningful (a study of Ecclesiastes)

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Saved From Wickedness

January 2, 2023January 1, 2023 krisshetter

“Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men…” Proverb 2:12

When I was younger I don’t think as many people were as wary as they are today of being scammed. There wasn’t the internet and email – telling us about our cousin trapped over in Africa and needing $50 sent to him. Calling long distance and even making calls across town used to cost money. So bulk calling 1,000s of old ladies each day and frightening them into giving up their entire savings just wasn’t as prevalent. Don’t get me wrong, there were still plenty of snake oil salesmen. It just took more effort.

For as long ago as Adam and Eve decided to forego God’s admonishment not to listen to the first slippery, silver-tongued creature, we humans have been subjected to all manner of men and women who want to lighten our wallets, steal our vote, abuse us in some way, gain power and authority over us.

According to psychology researcher Roy Baumeister, the majority of “evil doers” are really just people who tend to minimize the harmful impact of what they are doing or rationalize their reasons. They often see their action as much less of a big deal than the impact experienced from the victim’s point of view. Many of these folks may even see themselves as the victims – of society, their upbringing, their financial situation, etc. They “deserve” what they are bilking out of you.

God shows us through His wisdom, using patience, prudence, discernment, how to avoid the ways of those who want to take advantage of us. You know the saying, “If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.” I have a friend who once lost money to a phone scammer who wanted to help her save on her phone bill. All sorts of bells and whistles were going off in her head during the conversation – the Holy Spirit warning her with God’s wisdom! But her desire for a “deal” was stronger.

Large churches have imploded once enough people in the congregation finally started to heed God’s warning to be wise. Realizing their shepherd was more concerned about their ego or their pocketbook than their job of caring for their flock.

Friends, if it sounds too good, it probably is. If it’s not aligned with scripture you need to be wary. If it whispers to your more sinful side you need to turn to God. His Words will keep you from the ways of the wicked.

Father, the wicked ways of this world attack me each day. Help me have a wise and discerning mind so that I can remain safe with you. Amen

Take His Advice

January 1, 2023December 22, 2022 krisshetter

“Since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke, they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes… but whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.”  Proverb 1:30-33

Are you the kind of person who likes to dole out advice? According to an article in Psychology Today, research tells us that whenever a person tells us what to do and how to do it, we respond with defensive defiance because we want to maximize our personal freedom and decision-making. And in another study about giving advice, it indicates that, even if you’re not actively out to take the reins over others, giving advice can make you feel like you have some sway, which helps you feel more powerful.

So here you have two polarizing human actions. The need to have some, a little or maybe even a lot of power over people’s decision making coupled with a defiant audience wanting to, as toddlers so often say, “do it myself!” Is it any wonder that the entire first chapter in God’s book of wisdom, Proverbs, focuses on the challenges and pitfalls of ignoring God’s advice? We humans want so often to go it alone. We buck and itch at someone telling us how to do it better or different – even when we can see they are correct. Our sinful nature seeks immediacy, comfort and pleasure. Yet, God’s Word can sometimes ask us to do the exact opposite.

Here’s a secret about God. He doesn’t need to feel more powerful. He is all-powerful already. He doesn’t need you to listen to Him. He can do just fine without you or me. You will eventually experience any consequences of ignoring Him all on your own. He doesn’t have any other motivation in giving advice than this one thing: He loves you immensely. He won’t be a “stage mom.” He’s not pushy and obnoxious. He simply lays out a very clear path to make living this temporary life in this broken world as best possible.

So friend, while you may spurn the advice of others because you are unsure of their motivations I encourage you to embrace His wisdom. We can be assured of His motivation. He loves you so much that He wants you to live a good life with eyes toward His eternal kingdom.

Lord, help me not to turn my ears from your Words. I want to soak up your advice and live out a life full of your wisdom. Amen