The Need for Wisdom

Perspective is something that we continuously forgetting which many times leads to anger when we think that what is going on right now is the be all and end all of everything that is going on.

"Of course I am angry about this! If this type of thing were to continue... well it just needs to be fixed right now!"

I think that wisdom allows us to have a peaceful perspective when we are confronted by situations that cause issues. Think about it this way, many times it is those who have lived a long life that are able to look on situations and not think that they are as big a deal as those that are furious and angry. You can see this in family situations all the time when the grandparent is sitting amidst the turmoil of a family conflict and just shakes their head and says, "you are all related, I don't see what the big need to fight is."

In the long scope of things, it is very seldom that evil can exist without starting to feed on itself and devour itself. Given an infinite amount of time (which God has) everything is used to build the Kingdom. Our anger and frustration has more to do with the fact that we want a given solution right NOW rather than waiting for God's time. So what can we do to embrace wisdom?

1. Live an 80/20 mentality in regards to sainthood. I espose this because I believe that when we shoot for the ideal, we need to realize that we are going to fail at least twenty percent of the time because we are human beings. Understanding that changing our lives, our hearts, and our very behavior by making the saintly choice eighty percent of the time is inevitably going to have a massive impact on our lives over time.
2. Change one thing today. If we can change one thing, what would it be? First, we have to understand that there is very little that we actually control. My friend Jesse explained this to me once when I was a passenger in his truck by driving at the median concrete barrier on an LA freeway. He turned away at the last second. Point made.
3. Sleep on it. So there is a problem in your life. You don't have an answer. Sleep on it. If you don't have the answer again, sleep on it some more. It is amazing how NOT angry we can be about something after a few days. One of the things instant digital communication has robbed from us is the ability to have a delayed reaction to anything.
4. Dump your pride. It is amazing how wise those who know they are foolish are. Socrates was wise because he knew he was a fool. The sophists were fools for thinking they were wise. You're not God. Stop trying to be.

God is offering us a lot of grace. Tons of ability to deal with situations as they come. Sometimes we just need to embrace the wisdom that He offers so that we can have that Heavenly perspective.