“We speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age.” (1 Cor. 2:6)

Motivational posters, t-shirt slogans, and Instagram quotations surround us, offering “wisdom” for living.

Follow your heart.

Don’t stop until you’re proud.

Be you. Do you. For you.

Sure, they offer inspiration to stick to that diet or go the extra mile on the Peloton. But as guidelines for living well? Paul tells us the “wisdom of this age...comes to nothing” (2:6). Honestly, since good instruction and practical advice abound, how do we discern what seems “wisdom” from “foolishness”? This is serious work, for what or whom we choose to follow has consequences.

When does seeking my own health become worldly instead of being a vessel better fit for kingdom purposes? How do I know when I have been pursuing career goals more for my own pride than to be a godly provider for my family? 

Discernment isn’t easy. Paul tells us God’s wisdom is “secret” and “has been hidden,” but God has “destined [it] for our glory” (2:7). That’s the consequence we want.

Discernment asks where abiding by a platitude leads. After all, just where does “follow your heart” ultimately lead? That motto that seems wise - do what feels right for you - routinely rejects God. Is “being all I can be” ultimately self-serving or leading me to know God better? 

Discernment carefully questions motivation. If what we’re doing is to improve our status, climb the ladder, or gain wealth, then we’re following the “wisdom of this age,” not God’s, and we may soon feel the emptiness of what we have “gained” if it has cost us our family or our health.

Discernment involves knowing when to press, to challenge, to disagree rather than passively nod when someone says, “It doesn’t matter what you believe, so long as you’re sincere; all roads lead to God.” Which kind of wisdom will we follow? Disagreeing with the “wisdom of the age” leads to conflict; just read the scathing comments on social media. Just dare to disagree with what passes for “PC,” and see how accepting people are. But disagree we must when such “wisdom” has dangerous consequences. 

We who follow Jesus have access to the life-giving measure of true wisdom; we must share it with others.

Whoever seeks his life will lose it.

Take up your cross and follow Me.

The first shall be last.

Podcasts, streaming services, songs, books - we are drowning in advice. Do you feel the tug of such an Influencer? Whom could you ask to partner with you in discerning God’s wisdom?

Have you felt the sting of someone who has mocked your Christian values? How might you pray to be an effective Influencer?