The Intersection of Faith and Wisdom
Faith and wisdom - two terms which seemingly have no common denominator. Yet, when we stop and think about it, these two terms cannot be more interrelated. Faith and wisdom unite in a simplistic way, fastened together by belief and thought. Let’s travel down the road where faith and wisdom intersect to ignite the highest form of worship.
In our recent discussion of Daniel 2, Daniel gives praise to God in the oddest of forums. If you remember, God reveals to Daniel the meaning of King Nebuchadezzar’s dream. As some might believe, the order of events is not (1) God reveals; (2) Daniel explains; (3) Daniel praises. The correct order is (1) God reveals; (2) Daniel praises; (3) Daniel explains. What seems like such a small difference in sequential order is actually a great representation of one man’s faith. Daniel praises God before his trial concluded.
God acts in wisdom with every single one of His directions. When we listen, we obtain wisdom. In order to put wisdom into practice, however, faith must enter. Daniel has faith to testify. Throughout this new sequential order (reveal, praise, explain) of events, Daniel maintains faith and focus on the Lord. Faithfulness, as here in the case of Daniel, causes a change in his demeanor. Faithfulness fulfills its purpose as it metastasizes into action. Faithfulness yields forth a God-ordained and God-given wisdom.
Luke 17:11-19 records the miraculous healing of 10 lepers. The incredulous fact of this story is that only one former leper comes back to Jesus simply to say thank you. His thankfulness bears fruit as result of this practice. Obviously, the leper is thankful for being healed; yet the practice of thankfulness gives way to him expressing his faith. This faith is not in himself, but in Someone greater. Faith breeds in him wisdom to thank the ultimate One responsible for his healing - Jesus.
The uniting of faith and wisdom also is evident in Romans 1:8 as Paul states, “I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.” Paul uses wisdom to write of the results of Christ’s faithfulness made manifest unto the entire world. Additionally, he writes in Ephesians 5:20, “giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Why does he give thanks? Paul has the faith to know that all things work for good. (Romans 8:28) Wisdom (Knowledge) + Faith = Thankfulness.
David finds himself at this juncture between wisdom and thankfulness often. As he writes in Psalm 100, he pictures God reigning as a king worthy of thankfulness. He encourages us to, “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving.” How does one know the demeanor by which we should enter? Wisdom. As we walk with wisdom, we display faithfulness in our God to lead, guide, and direct our steps. Wisdom begets the faithful practice of thanksgiving. In the same way, wisdom guides us to faith in Christ. Yet, obtaining knowledge about Christ is not saving in itself. Knowledge which produces repentance, through faith, is efficient for salvation.
In Matthew 26:20-29, we get the clearest picture of this equation. Jesus is at the precipice of life and death, sitting at a table with His 12 disciples. He looks into the eyes of each disciple, sensing faith in all but one. He knows what is about to take place. Yet, through the disciples’ faithfulness (albeit small), He sees our future hanging in the balance. He picks up the glass, and replies, “Drink from it, all of you.” He continues by saying, “I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.” Jesus uses the God-given faith within Him to speak forth wisdom in His attempt to help His disciples navigate the difficulties which would lie ahead. Jesus gives thanks believing God knows His future. His wisdom gave way for His faith, producing thankfulness in Him and thankfulness in us.
Our belief gives birth to practice which manifests itself in thankfulness. As we walk through Thanksgiving into the Christmas season, let us rejoice and find our hope in Him. Then, and only then, can we know faith and live as thankful people.