Above All, Wisdom

Not long ago I adopted a young stray from the animal shelter and decided to name her Sophia. I soon learned that the Greek word sophia means wisdom, skill, and expertise. It refers to practical wisdom, or what we call “street smarts,” which make Sophia’s name very befitting because street smarts is exactly what it took for her to survive before she was rescued. The word sophia can also refer to higher understanding, such as wisdom about spiritual matters. This sort of wisdom is a gift from God and it influences one’s lifestyle.

God gives us exactly what we need to live successfully. In the Old Testament, God asked Solomon what one thing he wished to possess and Solomon answered “wisdom.” Wisdom is the ability to know God’s will in the circumstances of life. The good news is that the wisdom of God is available to us today also, simply for the asking!

In the following passage, Paul prays that all believers (that includes you and me!) will be filled with wisdom and spiritual understanding. Without it we are directionless, like compasses without a true north. But with it, we can experience God’s direction in every situation, no matter the circumstance.

Because of this, since the day we heard about you, we have continued praying for you, asking God that you will know fully what he wants. We pray that you will also have great wisdom and understanding in spiritual things. ~Colossians 1:9 (NCV)