Man’s Wisdom or God’s Wisdom
by David Cross
We hear a lot of media discussion on the big news topics of these days, on euthanasia, on abortion, and on all the challenging international conflicts. So-called experts are asked to give their assessment of the ethics of these issues, but rarely, if ever, do we hear anyone publicly ask, “What does God say is right?”
Human wisdom is God-given and has been remarkable in the extraordinary discoveries made in science and medicine, for example, but when it comes to evaluating what is right or wrong in a particular matter, the Bible reminds us that our hearts can be deeply flawed (Jeremiah 17:9). James even tells us later in his letter that earthly wisdom can be demonically inspired ((James 3:15)! That should give us cause to reflect.
James encourages us to actively seek God’s wisdom whenever there is a serious moral or key issue to contend with. He makes it clear that we should expect, without doubting, that this supernatural gift of God (1 Corinthians 12:8) will be given to us whenever there is a true need. To rely simply on our own intellect and experience, or on those of other people, is, at the least, unsafe and could be in direct conflict with God’s plans and purposes. I am reminded to take more note of the instruction of today’s verse.
David Cross David is part of the Executive Leadership of Ellel Ministries, with particular responsibility for the Ellel centres in Western Europe. He is married to Denise and they have three grown up children and eight grandchildren. David has been a civil engineer and ski-touring instructor in the Highlands of Scotland. He is passionate about the teaching and practice of the healing and deliverance ministry of Jesus and has written several books: Soul Ties, Trapped by Control, God’s Covering, The Dangers of Alternative Ways to Healing(co-authored with John Berry), an A to Z Guide to the Healing Ministry, What`s Wrong with Human Rights? and, most recently, God`s Way out of Depression. You can follow a daily thought from David on Twitter: @dmcross62
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