Wisdom

Sometimes it seems that wisdom is no longer fashionable.  I’m not talking about science and knowledge but rather that seasoned maturity that comes with time, thoughtfulness, reflection and prayer.  We seem to care about who is dating who, or who is caught up in the latest scandal, or the latest drama from Washington or Tallahassee.  But we seem to have little patience for developing wisdom and maturity, satisfied just to be titillated or entertained.

Nearing the end of his letter to the Ephesians, Paul begins wrapping up:  “Be careful then how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time, because the days are evil. So do not be foolish.”  (Eph. 5:15, click here for the full text)

Wisdom is not a simply byproduct of years lived.  We all know some pretty foolish old people!  Rather, it is the product of a life deliberately lived for something more than ourselves, a life of thoughtful service seeking to understand both ourselves and others so that we may be of greater service.

That’s hard work.  It means reading Scripture, and more, prayer, thoughtfulness and reflection.  It means conversations that go beyond the latest office drama or the plot line of some TV show.  And that takes time.  Remember when people talked about “quality time”?  Well, the reality is that there is no “quality time” without “quantity time.”  Meaningful relationships do not just happen, then are built.

Do you seek a life pleasing to God?  It does not mean you need to head to the farthest reaches of the globe, but only that you seek a life of thoughtful, engaged service with those whom God has placed around you.  God has given you all that you need to grow in wisdom and grace, but it is up to you to do it.

This column appeared in the August 15, 2021 edition of St. John’s eNews. Click here for the complete issue.

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