The last several posts have focused on the excellence of wisdom and the pursuit of wisdom. Anyone who reads the Bible regularly is familiar with Proverbs, where wisdom is highly commended. But familiarity too often breeds neglect—if not contempt. I believe it is helpful to stop for a moment to consider what the pursuit of wisdom looks like today. To set the stage, here are some basics about wisdom truths:
No one is born wise.
Therefore, the first prerequisite for being wise is to come to saving relationship with Christ.
If one is to be wise, it must come from a diligent and relentless pursuit of wisdom.
Therefore, the pursuit of wisdom is not natural or easy.
Wisdom cannot be learned apart from the fear of God.
Biblical wisdom is unlike anything that can be achieved by human effort.
Your children will be dominated by the ungodly modern world unless they desire wisdom above all else.
There are at least two places in the New Testament where wisdom is identified in specific terms. The first is in the Beatitudes, and the second is the description of the fruit of the Spirit. When wisdom is pursued as if it were buried treasure, out of a passionate love for Christ, it begins to manifest itself in the traits listed in the Beatitudes and in the fruit of the Spirit. This, then, is where the focus of your child-rearing should be.
You must lead your children in the practical, daily pursuit of wisdom. The qualities listed in of the Beatitudes cannot be mimicked. They are what they are. The fruit of the Spirit cannot be produced without the genuine work of the Spirit. This is how you arrive at godly character. There is no appropriate human activity that will not be enhanced and made holy if wisdom is pursued—true wisdom, from the heart.
We will look at specific beatitudes first and then the fruit of the Spirit in upcoming posts.
But, for now, please consider how much you are consumed by the pursuit of wisdom. Do you hunger and thirst for God’s wisdom? Do your friends, your spouse, your children see evidence of the eager pursuit of wisdom in your life? Proverbs says that nothing we desire can compare with wisdom. Is that true for me, for you? If you desire your children to be wise, this desire first must reside in your heart.