Hindsight is 20-20.
Over time, we observe the people and events of the past and decide who was wise and who was “on the wrong side of history.”
No one wants to be the sleeping wireless operator on the Titanic who missed the iceberg warnings. Or the guy who assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand and launched WW1. No one wants to be the fool who said automobiles will never replace a good horse or that computers were a passing fad.
We want to be on the right side—to do life with wisdom. But did you know that scripture says there are two distinct types of wisdom? The wisdom of God and the wisdom of the world. Both are called wisdom, offering an appealing way to live. But if there’s two types…What if we’re on the wrong side of wisdom?
Sadly, being on the wrong side of wisdom is the most natural thing in the world, even for Christians. It feels so natural, we may not even be aware it’s wrong.
The book of James describes worldly wisdom precisely: “But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic” (James 3:14-15).
Selfish ambition and bitter envy: I want more. And I want you to have less.
Music is full of this “wisdom.” We can laugh at Bieber’s, “Love Yourself” or Pink’s “So What?” We may cry at Whitney’s “The Greatest Love of All” or cheer at Sinatra’s, “My Way.” But they are dripping with worldly wisdom which says, “If putting me first is wrong, I don’t wanna be right.”
Those two pillars of worldly wisdom undergird our world. You deserve more. You deserve better. You deserve the best.
Honestly, they are also the pillars of our own nature from birth. I had a mom ask this week, “Why does my two-year-old always want what my four-year-old has and my four-year-old wants what my two-year-old has?” Worldly wisdom, that’s why.
We’re born with it. Me first. My way. I want what’s best for me. And I don’t care what it costs you.
Then what’s the right side of wisdom? The flip side of that. Something that sounds completely crazy——especially to the world around us. But it is actually beautiful and radical.
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness” (James 3:17-18).
The right side of wisdom says: “Really, you choose the restaurant, honey.” “Wow! What a cool car!” “No, you take the final scoop of ice cream.” “I forgive you.” “I forgive again.” The right side of wisdom doesn’t worry about who’s in charge or status. It isn’t constantly striving to look better than others or to get my fair share.
Being on the wrong side of wisdom is easy. It’s reasonable, natural, and looks just like everyone else in our world. Being on the right side is extremely difficult! It requires daily surrender to the Holy Spirit, the hard work of picking up a cross and denying yourself. In a nutshell, the right side of wisdom looks just like Jesus.
“But to those whom God has called… Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God” (I Corinthians 1:24).
Praying for godly wisdom,
You nailed it. Guilty as charged. So easy to fall into this trap without realizing it. Stay in the Word. He will give you the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
Thank you Dixie!!! God’s word is so challenging and encouraging!