I look beyond the issues to the purpose of our life here on earth. We are here to give (not take), to share (not hoard), build up (not tear down), to encourage and respect (not slander), to listen (not shout), to heal (not wound), to give life (not take it), to love our enemies (not just our friends). Where do these ideas come from? From the ancient book of wisdom – the Bible.
How do you make wise choices in a world of opposing views? What directs your moral compass?
I choose to start at the top – the Creator of the Universe. We owe our very existence – every breath we take — to Him. Since His wisdom is incomparably higher and more far-reaching, I am humbled by my lack of knowledge and insight. Our Sovereign God knows the outcome of all choices, the destiny of every path. He is a God of both justice and mercy; He is loving and faithful. What He deems right is best for my wellbeing yet fair for all, both now and in the future.
My search for God’s wisdom is centered on His words, the Bible. His word is a light for my path,1 with timeless truths woven together from the first page to the last. The beginning complements the end; the New fulfills the Old. Since God ’s word never changes and cannot be added to or subtracted from,2 I cannot pick the parts I find agreeable with my views.
God’s word tells me to care for others before myself,3 advocate for what is true and right, to build up the family as God ordained it, and to defend His word centered in the life and resurrection of His Son. Jesus said that the thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy. But Jesus came to give us life, abundant life!4
When seeking specific answers, God tells me to ask questions, seek answers, and knock on doors. 5 He says to humbly come to His throne in times of need, and to believe I will receive His wisdom if I trust and not doubt Him.6 His wisdom is defined as pure, peace loving, considerate, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.7 This is the wisdom I seek to guide all my choices.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10).
1 Psalm 119:105, 2 Revelation 22:18,19; 3 Philippians 2:3; 4 John 10:10; 5 Matthew 7:7,8; 6 James 1:5,6; 7 James 3:17.