The more days of life I log on this planet, the more I come to realize that the way we humans perceive ourselves is foggy at best.
There are all kinds of ways it happens, from over-confidence, to lack of confidence, and everything in between. Another example is that we tend toward being unable to see our sin and the consequences of it with any sort of clarity. We excuse things we shouldn’t and condemn things in ourselves that God put there for His divine purposes.
Living in a fog is no fun.
And here’s the sobering thing: Our kids live in the same fog of self-perception. Just like us, they don’t see themselves rightly. They struggle with doubt, condemnation, pride, and a host of other things just like we do. We BOTH need the clarity that only the wisdom of God can provide… and that’s where we are incredibly blessed.
God Himself has promised that if we lack wisdom, there’s an incredible resource at our disposal. Here’s how the Bible states it…
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. (James 1:5)
Do you realize how incredible that verse is, for you and your children?
In my mind, it’s one of the most amazing promises ever given to us. Let’s walk through it…
1 – GOD GIVES WISDOM.
That is truly amazing. We don’t have to stumble along in the fog of what we think and feel and believe. We have access to a wisdom that can cut through the fog.
2 – GOD GIVES WISDOM GENEROUSLY
God is not stingy when handing out His wisdom. He gives it freely, generously, abundantly, to anyone who wants it.
3 – GOD GIVE WISDOM WITHOUT REPROACH
When we go to God for wisdom, God is not going to chide us for not being smarter or for not having things figured out. He’s simply going to give us what we ask for.
4 – ALL WE HAVE TO DO IS ASK FOR IT
There’s no outrageous price tag on the wisdom of God. He WANTS His children to be wise (like He is). So He freely gives wisdom to us when we ask Him for it.
SO HOW DO WE APPLY THIS INCREDIBLE PROMISE?
- Memorize James 1:5 as a family. Talk it over. Make sure everyone understands the amazing gift that God offers.
- Encourage everyone in the family to ask God for wisdom daily. Hold each other accountable. Make it a project you work on together.
- Follow up. Ask everyone how they’re seeing God’s wisdom come on line in their lives. Share your stories to give your kids examples of what it might look like.
- Don’t let it die. Continue to talk about the importance of wisdom. Continue to pray for it as a family. Continue to trust God for the wisdom each of you need to see yourselves and God rightly, as you walk through life.