Loved and Protected

Have you ever thought about the difference between logic and wisdom? First let’s look at logic. Logic is truly a man-made entity, where we use our intellect to solve a problem.

Have you noticed how often logic ends badly? Take the idea of buying a brand new car, for instance. Right now you may need a car because yours is on its last legs. And because of the economy, car dealers are offering zero down, ten-year warranties, and extras of all kinds. One in my area is even offering $500 in groceries. But the groceries are a temporary thing–it would be better in the long run if he lowered the price of the car $500. 

You may have your eye on that shiny new car–you know, the one of your dreams, and have worked it all out on paper, and it looks quite doable. You can get a five-year payment plan with low interest. But think ahead–the shine will be off the finish before that car is debt free. The truth is, logic is always influenced by our point of view, which means if we want something bad enough we can nearly always find the logic to make it happen, deceiving ourselves into believing God approves when we haven’t even consulted Him.

But wisdom is something altogether different. We get it when we take our needs to God, ask His opinion and then wait for His answer. When we set aside our personal agenda (our desire for that new car) and wait on Him, He will often give us other means of transportation that will not involve paying interest on something that will lose value instantly upon driving it off the lot.

The same goes for home purchases. That brand new home may come with incentives galore, and even a low downpayment, a low, teaser interest rate, with the seller paying closing costs. But watch out for that 5-year balloon and those adjustable rates that may suddenly make your payment jump thousands of dollars a year. And interest only payments? Crazy! No better than paying rent. Read the fine print. Ask yourself–will you really be making more in five years when that low rate disappears? And what happens if one of you isn’t working–will you still be able to cover the payment, interest and insurance on one salary? If you’re honest, you could scale down to what are truly only needs rather than wants. Wouldn’t that be better than losing that home and ruining your good name and credit in the end?

The secret to using wisdom is being like that little child who is willing to accept his father’s good answers no matter what they are. Are we willing to take no for an answer or to wait until the right thing comes along? Wisdom would say “yes,” while logic says “not a chance.”

Proverbs 12:15 says this: “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.”

These days more than ever we need wisdom to see past the glitter and address real needs. May God help us seek His wisdom on every issue.

Because of His great love,

Nancy

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