Whose Wisdom Are You Following?
The Apostle Paul wrote: "Now we do speak wisdom among the mature, but not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are perishing. Instead we speak the wisdom of God, hidden in a mystery, that God determined before the ages for our glory. (1 Corinthians 2:6–7). How does that apply in the workplace of today. Read on...
Ernie
To connect with men who are working to share their faith effectively, check out one of the local CBMC Connect3 teams for breakfast, training and encouragement.
- CBMC Worcester team: Monday, 6:45 - 7:45 am at Chick-fil-A, 80 Gold Star Blvd, Worcester
- CBMC Leominster team: Tuesday, 7:00 - 8:00 am at Panera Bread, Leominster Whitney Field Mall
- CBMC Springfield/PIoneer Valley team Monday, 4:00 - 5:00 pm at Chick-fil-A, 25 Hazard Ave, Enfield, CT
Work, World, Wisdom
by Dr. Richard Bouch
Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is folly with God.
(I Corinthians 3: 18-19)
This seems to strike against much that is valued and done at work. We study, becoming knowledgeable and skillful so we can get good jobs. We use our minds to think well and make decisions.
But there is a vital difference between "wisdom" as set out in these Bible verses, and the knowledge and application needed for work. Paul the Apostle, who wrote them, was a well-educated man who used his knowledge in his ministry. He didn't discard his intelligence when he became a servant of Christ. He ministered in the world. He had to talk intelligently and convincingly to major leaders - top religious officials, a Roman governor, a king. Likewise, Christians at work today need to conduct themselves knowledgeably, intelligently and credibly.
Paul is telling the church, "Don't be puffed up, thinking you know better than others. Be humble in front of God. Admit to God you don't know it all. Have the mind of Christ - let Christ govern how you think, so that the results of your thoughts and decisions and actions produce outcomes that spread the knowledge of God."
Be wise in God's way. Avoid the false, prideful, worldly, God-empty "wisdom" that infests many work environments. You are in the world of work, yet your home is elsewhere, in the kingdom of God where humility is strength.
A WORK PRAYER
"This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God." (I Corinthians 4: 1) Lord Jesus Christ, steer me in this direction at work. Amen.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- In what ways are working believers tempted to use the "wisdom of this world" at work?
- What are some ways to guard against giving in to that temptation?
This WorkLife SwitchTOOL was written by Dr. Richard Bouch. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Content edited and distributed by WorkLife.org for non-profit educational purposes.
Visit our Website: NewEngland.cbmc.com
CBMC Connect3Team
Find Some Men Who Will Walk with You
Learn More:
Focus on a proven game plan for "doing life" and maintaining battlefield stance while finding meaning and purpose for life.
What is a Marketplace Ambassador?
CBMC's Marketplace Ambassador Advancement System is grounded in 2 Corinthians 5:20 where the Apostle Paul states “So we are Christ’s ambassadors...”
This system is designed to equip and empower men to become effective ambassadors for Christ in the marketplace
CBMC New England | 978.840.1093| Email: NewEngland@cbmc.com| Website: NewEngland.cbmc.com
GET CONNECTED
