God invites us to ‘be a wise guy’

By DR. DAVID L. CHANCEY
Pastor

Last month three men were convicted by a Fulton County jury. These three men ambushed Eric Haney, pointed an assault rifle at him and forced him into his apartment. They made him lie down on the floor and threatened to kill him. Then they stole his SUV to get away.

Police later found the SUV at a Forest Park apartment complex. After searching the vehicle, the police found some great evidence: a disposable camera containing pictures of the three robbers posing for the camera. They forgot about the camera when they ditched the vehicle. The jury took less than two hours to convict all three of them. Not too smart.

We realize that there is foolishness and there is wisdom, good judgment and poor judgment. God wants us to live a life of wisdom filled with looking at life from God’s perspective and to apply God-given insight to life situations and circumstances in a way that pleases God. This wisdom comes from experience, but also from learning to depend on the Lord. Proverbs 3:5-6 reads, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your paths.”

This is the time of year that we hear a lot of wisdom shared with our students who walk across that platform, receive that diploma, flip that tassel, and bear the new designation “high school graduate.” There is the sense of excitement that comes from beginning a new chapter and facing new challenges. It’s a time of growth and adventure. And it’s a time to let God’s wisdom enrich our lives. How do we benefit from God’s wisdom?

• God’s wisdom gives clear expectations. “Then you will understand righteousness and justice, equity and every good path. When wisdom enters your heart, and knowledge is pleasant to your soul, discretion will preserve you; understanding will keep you” (Prov. 2:9-11).

• God’s wisdom protects our steps. “He guards the paths of justice and preserves the way of his saints” (Prov. 2:8).

• God’s wisdom brings a happy life. “ ... do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commands; for length of days and long life and peace they will add to you” (Prov. 3:1-2).

• God’s wisdom gives peace. “When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him” (Prov. 16:7).

• God’s wisdom gives confidence. “For the Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being caught” (Prov. 3:26).

• God’s wisdom gives life. “The law of the wise is a fountain of life” (Prov. 13:14). Following God’s wisdom gives a quality of life that we will miss if we ignore God’s wisdom.

• God’s wisdom results in great influence. “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and He who wins souls is wise” (Prov. 11:30). Influencing people towards a stronger relationship with God is wise.

Unfortunately, we don’t always choose wisdom because we don’t always choose God. However, the Bible is clear that practicing wisdom begins with knowing God Himself. Prov. 9:10 reads, “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” Honoring, respecting, and revering God are the beginning points of developing a life of living out God’s wisdom.

God bless you, graduates. Choose to live a life of depending on God and following His way of wisdom, and you’ll go far.

(Dr. David L. Chancey is pastor of McDonough Road Baptist Church, 352 McDonough Road, Fayetteville, just down the street from the soccer fields. Join them this Sunday for Bible study at 9:45 a.m. and worship at 10:55 a.m. and 6 p.m.)