“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” – Reinhold Niebuhr

Talk about being caught between a rock and a hard place.  But only if I allowed myself to be, which I was convinced I wasn’t going to do.  I was no longer part of the organization, yet because I had been for some time – unsolicited people were coming to me about the way the current leader was running things.  First of all, I did not know this person.  Secondly I remembered far too well what it was like to be in a position of responsibility and being subjected to all the criticisms that came with it.  So when asked for my opinion about some of the changes and decisions that were being made, I carefully and respectfully took neutral ground.

To have a solid opinion, you must have all of the facts.  And I did not have those. To express an opinion, you should have the right to do so.  And I had relinquished that right when I left the organization.  It wasn’t my watch anymore, and also I wasn’t sure that I trusted the motivation of those who were now seeking my thoughts.  To some degree, they seemed like ‘busy bodies’ and I wasn’t about to get caught up in their ‘busy-ness.’  The fact that I offered no opinion, I believe, frustrated those who were seeking mine.  And while I had some views on their inquiries, Godly wisdom cautioned me to keep those thoughts to myself. I simply informed those who asked that I would be praying about the situation, and I did so.

Part of a longer prayer I recite every morning is that God will “grant me wisdom that comes only from above, wisdom so divine yet wisdom that is mine, and is strongest when meek and lowly.”  If I truly believe those words, it becomes easier to credit any understanding I might have on a given matter to a higher authority.  This is different than what many in the world believe, as they attribute their wisdom to a higher degree of education.  Some of the wisest people I have ever known were students of Life, and the lessons they learned along the Journey had little, if anything, to do with formal schooling.  Scripture tells us that “wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere” (James 3:17).

In a time when we have access to more information than we know what to do with, that which is often lacking is great wisdom.  We no doubt know people who can debate and intellectualize on virtually any topic. But when it comes to common sense and demonstrating compassion to others, they are unable to function wisely. When expressing one’s view on any subject, it is not only important to have all the facts but to weigh the information carefully to determine who may be affected in the offering of that opinion. “Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you.  Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding” (Proverbs 4:6-7).  There are many ideas, people, and situations that tempt us to ignore these scriptural values that lead to wisdom.  The world tells us time is short, and we may as well say what we think or believe to be true.  But, in reality, God’s word suggests otherwise:  “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12).  So how is your heart these days?

REFLECTION:  Consider what persons you might know that answers this question: “Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom” (James 3:13).  In those times when you are struggling with being too opinionated, is it possible to seek their counsel?  How you can you use their example to become a wiser person?

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