The Big Difference

Monday - February 15th

Devotionals from the Book of James

Scripture to Read Today: James 3:13-18

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If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God,

who gives generously to all without finding fault,

and it will be given to you.

James 1:5

There have been a few key milestones in my life where I needed the wisdom to make the right choice. They were not all equal in the scope of impact on my life and the life of my family. Some had moral values or consequences associated with them. Others were purely matters of taste or preference; there was no morally right or wrong answer. Each milestone required me to pause and consider, to step back and think.

Whether it be discerning the right house to buy, the proper vacation to take, or what to say in a critical sermon, life has been filled with moments when I needed wisdom. "Conventional wisdom," wisdom to which most people adhere, falls short when a decision is so personal. The wisdom of friends can help. After all, the Scriptures tell us there is wisdom in a multitude of counselors (Proverbs 11:14). But, even with the input of people I trust, something is still missing.

James describes wisdom that is earthly, sensual, and demonic (James 3:15). He implies that left to our own, we will naturally follow this kind of wisdom. It is not from heaven. It does not flow from the heart and mind of God. There have been times in my life when that kind of wisdom was the basis for a critical life decision. That never worked out, and I know that.

With each life milestone, I have learned to ask God for wisdom. It sounds trite and simplistic, but when I have asked, he has given it. James emphasized the importance of seeking heavenly wisdom from God in James 1:5. "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."

No magic conclusion pops into my head after seeking wisdom from God. What does happen is that things that were blurry or complex become clearer. Things that were a distraction become less prominent. Over time, God's wisdom that He gives me generously works with the brain God has given me to sort through the decision milestone in my life.

The times I fail to ask, or delay in asking God for His wisdom are the worst decision times of my life. The times I patiently looked to Him prayerfully sought His perspective, are the best times of decision in my journey.

The big difference? The ask. Yep, taking the time to look to God for clarity and insight - asking Him to give me the wisdom I need to decide.

Are you facing a decision right now? Are you at a crossroads or milestone moment in your life? Big or small, you can stop and ask God for wisdom from above. That will make the difference in the outcome of your choice!

The big difference in a decision we must make is where we look for the wisdom to make it!