Our world teaches us to get an education, work hard, rejoice, and luxuriate in life. As long as we don’t hurt others, we’re okay. Eat, drink, and be merry! But that shouldn’t be wisdom in any respect. In fact, a lot of Jesus’ teaching directly contradicted the normal “sensible” pondering of the day and, even now, is commonly difficult to use in our day by day lives. In the Sermon on the Mount alone, for instance:
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I inform you, love your enemies and pray for individuals who persecute you.” – Matthew 5:43-48
Love our enemies? How will we do that?
“If you forgive other people after they sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you.” – Matthew 6:14
Not at all times a straightforward task.
“Love the Lord your God with all of your heart and with all of your soul and with all of your mind and with all of your strength.’ The second is that this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’…” – Mark 12:30-31
So…no more searching for old primary above all else. Jesus, in fact, is highlighting the differences between worldly wisdom and godly wisdom. Godly wisdom often goes directly against our natural inclinations to handle ourselves. There is even an oft-quoted verse incorrectly attributed to the Bible – “the Lord helps those that help themselves.” No! The Lord helps those that love him and help others.
Godly wisdom shouldn’t be focused on self and self-preservation – but somewhat, is targeted on serving the dominion of God. We are called to “carry our cross” – in other words, crucify our flesh and live in line with the wisdom of the Spirit.
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Whoever desires to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save lots of their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.'” – Mark 16:24-25
Paul confirmed this statement in his letter to the Galatians:
“I actually have been crucified with Christ, and I now not live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live within the body, I live by faith within the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” – Galatians 2:20
Clearly, these teachings are completely contrary to common pondering. “Follow your heart.” “Be true to yourself.” “Your happiness is all that matters.” “Live your individual truth.” All fallacies – and none supported by godly wisdom.
