"Somewhere along the way, we must learn that there is nothing greater than to do something for others." Martin Luther King Jr

Wisdom is the ability to use your knowledge and experience to make good decisions and judgment. What then is Godly wisdom?

God is love so that must mean wisdom that is marked with love. ^“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians 13: 4-7

“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” James 3:17 (NIV)

On the flipside is earthly wisdom. It is that which leads us to care for other things more than we do God. It is the wisdom that seeks money, power and status, and other earthly pleasures first and foremost. It is the wisdom that says, “To go to the top, do not worry who you hurt or how you get there.” To people who cherish earthly wisdom, Godly wisdom is foolishness, and weakness.

The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) is an example of how a godly person can help an ailing society.

The Samaritan, despite not having the obligation of a kinsman, was compassionate to a Jew who had been robbed, beaten and left half dead. He went to where the man was, probably in the ditch. He did not worry how dirty the man was and how the stains from the blood might not wash off from his clothes. He took his time to disinfect the wounds with his oil and wine. He bandaged his wounds, probably cutting off some of his own clothing.   He put the man on his own donkey so he must have had to walk the distance however tired he was from his journey. He took him to an inn. He paid for the room for the period he would have expected the man to take to get well enough to go on his way, and in addition he said to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’

How time consuming, expensive, inconveniencing being a good neighbour is! But like David, why should we only give to God the dregs? And being a Good Samaritan often requires for us to get down and dirty. To be fully obedient to God, we require humility. As Proverbs 11:2 says “When pride comes, then comes disgrace but with humility comes wisdom.” Unlike others like the priest and Levite who would have been expected to be the first to help, the Good Samaritan paid the price to save the wounded man. “Every single time you help somebody stand up you are helping humanity rise.”  Steve Maraboli

Similar to how the Samaritan helps the man in the story, Jesus payed the price, for us to be saved. And, like the Samaritan supplied to the innkeeper, so Christ gives the church the resources we need to extend his love to others until he comes back. This is the Church’s work of mercy and we are part of the Church. We should lead in helping our ailing society.

And just as God sent Moses to take the people of Israel to Canaan, The Lord is saying, “I have indeed seen the misery of my people. I have heard them crying out in their spiritual emptiness since they do not follow biblical standards, they are immersed in poverty, hunger, and diseases. I have seen how they suffer from poor governance, corruption, unemployment and discrimination, and I am concerned about their suffering. So I have come down to rescue them. So now, go. I am sending you to bring my people out of their situation.” And He says in Isaiah 41:10 "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

How will you respond?

PRAYER:

Our dear gracious father. We pray that you will be with us as we help each other resolve all that is ailing our society.  Give us wisdom to be there for one another, for our families, for the church, for our nation and the world. Through Jesus Christ we pray. AMEN