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Gaining Godly wisdom for our everyday lives What is the one thing that can mean the difference in making a good decision and making a bad one? Often old people are said to have this and youth are believed to lack it. Owls are symbolic of it. If someone was to describe youth in general, wisdom would not be a quality listed. Wisdom is believed to come from a long life full of many experiences, both good and bad. As much as it may be true, wisdom does come from a living life, but most importantly, it comes from God. James 1:5 states, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." When we are faced with tough decisions God will give us the wisdom to make a wise one, if we will first ask him for wisdom and then obey him. Anyone at any age can be wise in their own lifetime. One way for us to become wise at an early age is by reading God's word. We can find answers to all our problems in the Bible and from Jesus himself when we pray. We find an example of this in Paul's charge to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:10-17. Timothy has trained under Paul and has known Paul for some time. Paul starts by reminding Timothy of his own lifestyle, basically stating, 'I know you aware of the persecutions I have faced and you know of my purpose in life.' Paul's teachings were consistent in good times and in bad times in his life. Why was this? It was because he had learned the scriptures available to him at the time, the scriptures we know now as the Old Testament. Paul had an open line of communication with God and included him in every part of his life. Timothy knew that Paul's aim in life was to serve the Lord. Paul did not falter in his faith. Patience described his Christian attitude toward persons he encountered. He was patient with those who misunderstood and opposed him. Have you ever tried to tell someone why you believe the way you do and all they did was contradict it because they didn't understand? Did you get frustrated with this person or did you have patience with them? Steadfastness, or endurance, describes Paul's attitude toward the persecutions and sufferings in his life, and is an example for us to model in our lives. The steadfast person rejoices in the ultimate victory assured by God in the midst of what seems to be defeat. Paul had been kicked out of Antioch, had escaped a conspiracy in Iconium and had been stoned in Lystra. In each case, Paul felt the power of God protecting him and looking over him. Paul goes on to say, in verse 12, that "In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." In those days the persecution was far worse than for us, because Christians were in the minority. Here, in our day and time, we can be thankful because we are safe from stoning. Yet, we are still subject to persecution by our co-workers, our classmates or neighbors when we choose to not join in with the crowd. Timothy wasn't without guidance as he took this charge from Paul. He prepared to share the scriptures and begin preaching. We are not without guidance either as we live lives that are to be holy examples and witness to those around us; that our lives might show them how wonderful Jesus Christ our Savior is. In verses 14 and 15 the Bible tells us that the scriptures are our source for wisdom. The passage finishes out by instructing us on what the scriptures are to be used for - teaching the truth, rebuking error and correction in order to help people bring their lives into God's way of living. When we use the scriptures for these things, we can be prepared to make wise decisions.
The scripture assures us that we will be equipped for every good work and ready for any kind of ministry God wishes to use us for.
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