Good Morning.

Long after Scripture was written, it was broken into chapters and verses and even paragraphs.

When properly seeking to understand meaning, we must always look at context... huh?

Let us look again at the first few verses in James:

Dear brothers and sisters, whenever trouble comes your way, let it be an opportunity for

joy. For when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow,

for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be strong in character and ready

for anything. If you need wisdom--if you want to know what God wants you to do--

ask Him, and He will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. 1.2-5, New Living Trans.

Do you see the notion of wisdom bumped right up against growth through trials? I believe that

James' positioning indicates that when going 'through it', we can ask God for wisdom in order to

get 'through it', and also that wisdom will be gained through the process, if we seek to learn.

What is wisdom? It has several components:

>understanding - what is true, right, lasting

>discretion - the ability to decide responsibly

>prudence - wise in handling practical matters, exercising good judgment, common sense,

careful about one's conduct (okay, I want to be a prude)

>discernment - keen insight

>knowledge - the sum of scholarly learning through the ages; wise teachings of the ancient sages

>action - exercising discretion, prudence, discernment in choosing a course of action for ourselves

Let us look at the first of these--understanding what is true. . .

Hmmm... understanding TRUTH. . . dictionary defines truth as 'conformity to fact or actuality--

a statement proved to be or accepted as true-'

We already have a problem with this huge aspect of wisdom because there are many TODAY who would

tell us that there is no absolute truth. Here's the story: while many of us are categorized by age as

Baby Boomers, the next generation is commonly referred to as Baby Busters or Generation X. The best

conference I have ever attended started off with a man who makes it his business to poll and map the

trends in our society, particularly as they relate to faith and belief (or lack thereof), in God. I found

George Barna's description of the Busters, age 20-38, informative but somewhat disturbing.

They believe there is no absolute moral truth

-feelings and relationships are most critical

-spirituality is important, Christianity is not

-authority is out

-they are hyper-tolerant

-rights are more important than responsibility

This generation will be characterized as the one who at least tried to do away with absolute truth.

'Postmodern thinkers' as they are called, tell us that truth is relative and subjective. What might be

'right or true for you' does not mean it is 'right or true for me,' and situational ethics reign supreme.

Is it any wonder that our young people are confused? Tolerance of all beliefs--except maybe those of

'born again' Christians--and ways to God, and all moral proclivities seem to be welcome. Yikes.

Encompassed in absolute truth is absolute moral truth--i.e., that murder is always wrong. . . it is still

lying even if you did it to spare someone's feelings, etc. There simply must be absolute moral truth

or society will collapse. Well, actually 19 out of the last 20 empires/civilizations did just that. . .

collapse, mostly due to moral and spiritual decline. So, YES, wisdom includes understanding TRUTH.

Consider the New Age book, The Secret, and it is easy to see how "truth" has been adulterated, and

how people (even Christians) are buying it. (the book and its harmful messages)

"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God who gives generously to all. . ." NIV

Sign me up--I lack wisdom--I want it, I need it, I'm gonna get me some. . . how about you?

Here's my challenge to you today: start each day by asking God for wisdom,

then you will have a generous supply. . .

then you will have understanding.

Be wise today, my friends.

Christine