It is important for a young Christian to acquire wisdom in all facets of life. Young Christians who are wise make wiser choices, are more discriminating, and comprehend their faith better. This article will explore the importance of wisdom in the life of a young Christian and how it can be applied in various areas of their lives.
Wisdom is the ability to apply knowledge and experience to make good judgments and decisions. It goes beyond just knowing something; it's the ability to understand it and use it in practical situations. In the Bible, wisdom is described as a gift from God and is highly valued. In Proverbs 4:7, it says, "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting, get understanding."
You Need Wisdom for Wise Decisions
As a young Christian, there will be many decisions to make. Having wisdom will help in making better choices that align with God's will. It is easy to be influenced by the world's standards, which may not always align with God's word. However, with wisdom, young Christians can make decisions that are pleasing to God and beneficial for their future. Always be teachable and be open to the advice, counselling and corrections of people in your life like your parents, teachers, mentors and pastors. Proverbs 11:14 says, "Without wise leadership, a nation falls; there is safety in having many advisers."
You Need Wisdom for Healthy Relationships
Hurts, disagreements and misunderstandings thrive in relationships that are not built on wisdom. Relationships are an essential aspect of life, and they require wisdom to thrive. Wisdom helps young Christians to build strong relationships with others, including family, friends, and life partner. It helps in understanding other people's perspectives and resolving conflicts amicably. In Proverbs 17:27, it says, "A truly wise person uses few words; a person with understanding is even-tempered." Having wisdom in relationships involves knowing when to speak, listen, and act.
You Need Wisdom for Your Career
Choosing a career path can be daunting, especially for young Christians who want to align their careers with God's purpose for their lives. Wisdom helps in making career choices that are fulfilling and in line with God's plan. It involves seeking God's guidance and using the skills and talents given to make a positive impact in the chosen field. In Proverbs 3:5-6, it says, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."
You Need Wisdom to Manage Your Finances
Finances play a crucial role in everyone's life, and managing them wisely is essential. Wisdom helps young Christians to make wise financial decisions, such as budgeting, saving, and investing. It involves understanding the value of money and using it to glorify God by helping others and supporting His work. Having wisdom in finances involves using resources wisely and avoiding wasteful spending.
How to Acquire Wisdom?
1. Ask God For Wisdom
James 1:5 says, "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." So, when you feel unsure or don't know what to do, ask God for wisdom through prayer. You can ask for guidance, discernment, and understanding to make wise decisions in your life. Trust that God will answer your prayers and provide you with the wisdom you need.
2. Friend Upwards
An important principle I learned from a Christian minister is "Always friend upwards." What this means is to surround yourself with people who are wiser and more experienced than you. This means that you need to always befriend people who are wise, experienced, skilled and who have gone ahead of you in life. When you do so, you experience an upward pull to learn, grow and evolve. If you need to grow in wisdom, you cannot acquire it easily. You need to disassociate with friendships that cause you to make unwise decisions and spend money unwisely and you need to associate with wise people who can motivate you to grow in wisdom.
3. Fear God
Another important step to acquiring wisdom as a Christian is to understand and fear the Lord. Proverbs 9:10 says, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." This means that to become wise, you must first have a reverent fear and respect for God. Understanding that He is all-knowing, all-powerful, and holy helps you realize your own limitations and the need to rely on Him for guidance and wisdom.