In our society, words like "pure" and "innocent" have become synonymous with "naive." Why is this also the case in Christianity? We talk about how wise one is when they have suffered great mistakes and tragedies in their lifetime, but what about the ones who haven't? What about those who have had little mistakes. Are they any less wise?
It is a myth that wisdom comes only from experience. Yes, we do learn lessons when we mess up, but God doesn't want us to mess up! He wants us to have the wisdom to avoid making those painful mistakes in the first place. Why would He even give us the Bible if He intended for us to make mistakes and learn all on our own? He doesn't want it to come to that! He even tells us specifically that if we ask for wisdom, we will receive it-- He doesn't say we have to have experience anything in particular to get it, simply that we should ask and believe.
The whole goal of Christianity is to become more Christ-like. That process means that we are washed of our sins and made whole again. We are always seeking to be more righteous and pure just like Him. We cannot look down on those who haven't made as many mistakes and we shouldn't think that we have to make mistakes to learn. Yes, God uses our testimony and brings glory to Himself. Yet we should always be striving to live our lives like He would-- in both purity and wisdom. Change the way you think about wisdom. If you want it, just ask!
1 Timothy 4:12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. (ESV)
Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. (ESV)
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (ESV)
2 Corinthians 3:18 So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord--who is the Spirit--makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. (NLT)
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! (NIV)
It is a myth that wisdom comes only from experience. Yes, we do learn lessons when we mess up, but God doesn't want us to mess up! He wants us to have the wisdom to avoid making those painful mistakes in the first place. Why would He even give us the Bible if He intended for us to make mistakes and learn all on our own? He doesn't want it to come to that! He even tells us specifically that if we ask for wisdom, we will receive it-- He doesn't say we have to have experience anything in particular to get it, simply that we should ask and believe.
The whole goal of Christianity is to become more Christ-like. That process means that we are washed of our sins and made whole again. We are always seeking to be more righteous and pure just like Him. We cannot look down on those who haven't made as many mistakes and we shouldn't think that we have to make mistakes to learn. Yes, God uses our testimony and brings glory to Himself. Yet we should always be striving to live our lives like He would-- in both purity and wisdom. Change the way you think about wisdom. If you want it, just ask!
1 Timothy 4:12 Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. (ESV)
Matthew 5:8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. (ESV)
Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (ESV)
2 Corinthians 3:18 So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord--who is the Spirit--makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. (NLT)
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! (NIV)
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. (NIV)
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