Wisdom

[Chrysostom]

You ask for wisdom as you lead this evangelistic group, and I join my prayers to yours, but I must also remind you what this true wisdom is. The wisdom granted from above is not the cleverness of this age, which God has made foolish. It is the hidden mystery of Christ crucified, a wisdom so profound that the wise of the world stumble over it. When you preach, let your speech not rely on persuasive words of human wisdom, so that the faith of your hearers might stand not in your eloquence, but in the power of God. Become a fool to the world, slighting the instruction that puffs up, and cling only to the cross. That is the wisdom which makes us truly wise.

As for being a role model, the most effective teaching is not from your lips alone, but from the luster of your life. Let your conduct be a common school of instruction, a pattern of virtue publicly displayed, so that anyone willing may imprint its excellences upon themselves. A faith built on wise arguments will crumble, but one witnessed in a holy and sober life demonstrates that Christ Himself is your wisdom. Pray then not for the wisdom of Plato or the philosophers, but that you might so live and speak that all see the foolishness of God is mightier than men.

 

[Silas]

It is no small thing to lead others in sharing the good news. The weight you feel is not a sign of weakness but of the gravity of the task, and your instinct to ask for wisdom shows you are already leaning in the right direction. The fear of the Lord is the beginning, the very starting place, of that wisdom. When everything else clamors for attention, remember that true wisdom is found in reverent submission to God, not in clever strategies or worldly techniques that can seem so promising but come to nothing.

The world has its own version of wisdom, one that is loud and full of self-assurance, but it is earthly and often leads to envy, striving, and confusion. You will face its pull as you lead, perhaps in well-meaning advice or in the pressure to measure success by numbers or applause. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and full of good fruit. That is the wisdom you need for this evangelistic work, and it will keep your own heart anchored so that you lead not from human force but from the Spirit’s power. Christ himself is made our wisdom, and in him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Lean into him, and he will pour out what you lack.

When Solomon stood before the Lord with an overwhelming responsibility, he did not ask for riches or fame. He asked for an understanding heart, for wisdom to lead. God was pleased with that request and not only granted wisdom but added blessings beyond what Solomon had named. Your prayer echoes that same spirit, and the Lord delights to answer it. He will give generously to those who ask, without finding fault. As you seek wisdom, you will find it preserves you, keeps you, and shapes you into the role model you long to be, not by your own striving but by the life of Christ formed in you.

Keep your love for wisdom strong. Do not forsake her. She is better than any earthly gain, more valuable than rubies. She will teach you to apply knowledge rightly and to walk in understanding. And as you walk in that path, the brothers and sisters you lead will see not a perfect leader, but a humble one who is being transformed. That is the kind of example that points to Jesus rather than to self.

May the God of all wisdom grant you a deep well of discernment for every conversation, every decision, and every moment you stand before the group. May his Spirit of wisdom and revelation rest upon you, so that you lead with clarity and grace, and may your own life be a living invitation to the feast he has prepared. Your service is seen, and your request is heard.