Wisdom and knowledge – The chicken and the egg? with Rev. Deb Vaughn

VIRTUAL WORSHIP ONLY – NO IN-PERSON SERVICE

Focus: Wisdom and knowledge is not really a “chicken and egg” issue for me. Which comes first? Can you have one without the other? Sadly… yes. We live in a world that amasses information and knowledge but does not have the wisdom to apply it. And yet, to act wisely, we need to have at least some background knowledge to BE wise in our decision-making! After months of living in a pandemic, we know this all too well.

Solomon was faced with ruling over God’s people in Israel, knowing that there would be a continued conflict with the nations and tribes around him. He had a lifetime of observing his father’s mistakes in leadership. And he knew the task ahead of him, building the first Temple in Jerusalem, would require all his skills in negotiation and statecraft. He kept a fragile peace within his own country.

As we will read in the 1 Kings passage for this week, Solomon asked God not for riches, nor even personal fame, but for wisdom. Perhaps that was the best “ask” a new ruler could make! And for churches today, as well as governments, seeking wisdom over power would be life-changing. The Holy God of Israel, as the hymn says, is “Immortal, invisible, God only wise…” and God’s wisdom is there for us.

I look forward to exploring this more with you on Sunday!

Blessings and peace –

Rev. Deb