Wisdom: Now What?
John 8:31-33
"To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
They answered him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?”"
I’m learning that wisdom holds you accountable. To tell the truth, even when you know it stings, to keep your mouth shut, to humble yourself and apologize even when you know it’s not your fault.
Wisdom requires growth and maturity. It sometimes hurts because let’s face it, we don’t want to change who we are and where we are. We become content in our victim, waiting for superman mindset. After all, it forces everyone to baby the person, but not tell them what they really need to do to move forward.
The truth hurts.
And depending on who the truth comes from, it may make you want to step back and retreat into a corner for a timeout. But it still does not change the fact that it’s the truth. It can put you in a really bad headspace, causing your emotions to get involved, but it’s still the truth. The question is now: what will you do with it? Will denial take place, or will you swallow the pill that’s been handed to you and take the first step toward being a better person?
Wisdom requires that an evolution of attitude, way of thinking and perception takes place.
Listen to counsel, receive instruction, and accept correction, That you may be wise in the time to come.
Proverbs 19:20 Amplified Bible (AMP)
Truth is the missing piece to an undone puzzle. It gives us permission to begin again, but this time using different methods to insure an even greater outcome.
Now while you may be nodding your head in agreement, let me ask this: does your presentation of truth reflect the love and mercy of God or condemnation?
Sometimes, I believe we cross that line one time too many. Speaking the truth out of anger, or frustration versus taking a step back, calming down and then saying it in such a way that the person receiving it is able to recognize truth presented in love after the sting has subsided?
How do we present Truth?
I got it. Even when the truth is presented in such a way that does not bring about condemnation, what happens when the person receiving it does nothing with it?
I can only tell you what God has told me in my quiet time: Be patient and remember a time where you too did not readily receive the truth. Ask God to do heart surgery on you first. Keep praying. Keep reminding yourself that you too are imperfect, in need of a perfect savior, Jesus Christ. Put yourself in their shoes. If we are honest with ourselves, we will soon see that depending on our current mindset, we would need time to process the truth also.
Sometimes the truth comes out in frustration; in the heat of the moment. Then what?
Well, how about this: What if we humbled ourselves (not make ourselves a doormat), went back and apologized for the tone in which it was said? Notice I said tone and not what was said. Speaking from experience, I have had to go back and apologize for my tone on many occasions.
You cannot be held accountable to make right a wrong you did not commit. It’s unrealistic and unreasonable to all parties involved.
But you can be held accountable for how you say it.
