Do you wish people would listen to you? Do you want to share your knowledge and wisdom with others? How are you seeking to share your wisdom? Are you willing to change your means of communication? Are you willing to follow God’s way rather than your own?
As we grow older, we have a desire to share the wisdom we have accumulated over many years of life experiences. Unfortunately, we often try to force our wisdom on others. We may speak in ways that are not appealing to them. Therefore, they will not listen to what we are saying.
The Apostle Paul was a man of wisdom. Yet, he knew that wisdom was not his but God’s. While he was in Philippi, he went down to the river to find a place of prayer. He sat down with the handful of others who were with him. As he was speaking to them, Lydia overheard what he was saying and became interested. As she listened, God opened her heart.
Let’s understand what was happening. Paul was not speaking to Lydia. He was likely explaining his understanding of Jesus and how God was working in his life to his small group. He wasn’t being forceful. He sat and calmly talked about what God was doing. His message was intriguing, drawing Lydia in. So much so that her and her entire household was baptized that very day.
Just like Paul, we can share the wisdom God has granted us in a calm and intriguing manner. When we rely on God to help us express his wisdom, he will provide us with the words. This requires us to empty ourselves of ourselves and rely solely on God. Rather than being full of ourselves, we must be full of God. And in all of this, we must communicate and do everything with the love of Christ in us.
I pray we all seek the wisdom of God. I pray we seek to share God’s wisdom with others. I pray each one of us rely on God to provide us with the words rather than relying on ourselves. Seek God’s wisdom. Share God’s wisdom. Rely on God. Be filled with God. Do everything with the love of Christ.
Acts 16:14 A certain woman named Lydia, a worshiper of God, was listening to us; she was from the city of Thyatira and a dealer in purple cloth. The Lord opened her heart to listen eagerly to what was said by Paul.
Marty Pressey 