Date: 11-Apr-2024
Name: Lakers Komaiya
Topic: GROW IN WISDOM Part 2
Content:
Daniel 11:32b - “Those who know their God shall be strong [build capacity] and do great exploits.
Luke 2:52 - “And Jesus increased [grew] in wisdom and stature, and in favour both with God and with men.”
Proverbs 4:7-9 - “Wisdom is the principal thing. Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding. Exalt her, and she will promote you. She will bring you honour, when you embrace her. She will place on your head an ornament of grace. A crown of glory she will deliver to you.”
Wisdom is a multifaceted concept that involves the ability to apply knowledge, experience, and good judgment to navigate complex life situations and make sound decisions.
James 3:13 - “Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.”
Emotional Disciplines for Growing Wisdom
1. Develop emotional self-awareness - Cultivate the ability to observe and understand your own emotional states without being overwhelmed by them. This allows you to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively.
Ecclesiastes 7:9 - “Do not be eager in your heart to be angry, for anger dwells in the heart of fools [One who hates knowledge (Proverbs 1:22); or delights not in understanding (Proverbs 18:2)].”
Colossians 3:16 - “Let the word [spoken by] Christ (the Messiah) have its home [in your hearts and minds] and dwell in you in [all its] richness, as you teach and admonish and train one another in all insight and intelligence and wisdom [in spiritual things, and as you sing] psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, making melody to God with [His] grace in your hearts.”
2. Practice emotional regulation - Develop techniques to manage strong emotions like fear, anger, or anxiety. This could involve praying without ceasing, constantly meditating on God’s principles, prophecies and promises, reminiscing about God’s faithfulness etc.
> Wisdom is approaching and achieving the best possible solution in a challenging situation without succumbing to anger or agitation.
3. Embrace emotional resilience - Adopt a mindset that sees challenges as opportunities for growth, rather than being paralysed by fear. 2 Timothy 1:7 declares “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” Determine to overcome obstacles by the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Ecclesiastes 4:9 - “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up the other.”
> A true warrior gains mastery of his weapon.
4. Cultivate emotional control - Similar to gaining mastery of the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, gain mastery over your emotion. Be able to pause, reflect, and respond appropriately rather than being overtaken by impulses.
5. Foster emotional empathy - Develop the capacity to understand and share the feelings of others. This enhances your ability to make wise, compassionate decisions that consider multiple perspectives.
In 1 Kings 3:16-28, by ordering that the child be sliced in two, the king proposes a brilliant stratagem designed to reveal which of the two claimants was the true mother of the child. His judgment reveals his justice and, more important, God's gift of wisdom in action.
6. Embrace emotional acceptance - Recognise the transient nature of emotions and learn to let go of attachments, This allows you to adapt with grace to life’s changes and uncertainties.
Philippians 4:12 - “It has been a great joy to me that after all this time you have shown such interest in my welfare. I don’t mean that you had forgotten me, but up till now you had no opportunity of expressing your concern. Nor do I mean that I have been in actual need, for I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstances may be. I know now how to live when things are difficult and I know how to live when things are prosperous. In general and in particular I have learned the secret of facing either poverty or plenty. I am ready for anything through the strength of the one who lives within me.”
7. Nurture emotionally supportive relationships - Surround yourself with a network of trusted allies who can provide emotional support and wisdom when you face challenges.
Application
How do you intend to apply this series on Grow in Wisdom in your relationships (with your wife and children), in business (with your clients, colleagues and/or employees), in the ministry (with other believers you serve with in God’s kingdom) etc. this week?
Prayer Points:
Prayer Point
Father, help me to embrace and live out the fruit of the Spirit - love, joy, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
Prayer Point
Father, I receive Your perspective on things and the peace of mind to consider the challenges in my life as opportunities to grow in the application of divine and practical wisdom. IJN
