Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Smarts

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. James 1:5

In the next two weeks, millions of people, teenagers and adults alike, will walk across stages all over the world and take in their hand a valuable piece of paper called a diploma.  Some will work very hard for this piece of paper and earn many well deserved accolades.  Others will barely make the grades to earn the diploma. Through the work required to earn a diploma, no doubt they have gained some wisdom. But there are all kinds of smart people around.  Many have very high I.Q.s whereas some are barely more than border-line on the test scales. Intelligence cannot be confined to I.Q. tests or measured by diplomas. 
 Some people are street smart. I know a man who is clothes smart. He can sniff out bargains on men's wear the way hunting dogs find a fox. He also knows the considerable difference between quality and mere appearance.
Another man was never known to be much of an academician. In truth, his graduation from high school was more an act of grace than merit. However, he is the most literate man regarding automobile engines whom I have ever met. On that subject I am completely uneducated while he is something of a Rhodes Scholar.
My mother was a gourmet cook. She rarely used measuring spoons or cups. She just intuitively knew how much of each ingredient was enough. She was food smart. Michael Jordan was court smart. Conversely, we all have our gaps in knowledge. Will Rogers used to say, "We are all ignorant, just about different subjects." True.
Tradition says the wisest person on the Bible's pages was King Solomon, son of David. When he ascended to his father's throne, the Lord appeared to Solomon in a vision and said, "Ask what I shall give to you." God appeared to Solomon with a blank check. "Ask me what I shall give to you." And what did he choose? Wealth? Fame? What purpose would that have served? He already possessed those things. Romance? Solomon had enough of that for a thousand lifetimes.
What did he need most to rule effectively, to lead Israel to new heights, to construct his father's dream of a temple and to insure the political and economic future of his nation? "Give me now wisdom and knowledge to go out and come in before this people," Solomon answered the Lord, "for who can rule this thy people, that is so great?"
He asked for wisdom, which was an indication that he was already rather wise. And God granted his wish. In fact, in 1 Kings there is the assertion that "King Solomon excelled all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. And the whole earth sought the presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom, which God had put into his mind.". Wisdom was not reserved for Solomon. There is more than enough to go around. You and I can have a share, as well. We can be intelligent, regardless of I.Q. or diplomas or any of the other ways in which wisdom is ordinarily measured. This week we will consider a few ways in which we (with God’s help) can equip ourselves to live intelligently.
Scripture to Claim:
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.  Ephesians 5:15-17

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