Let Us Walk in Wisdom

This letter was taken from the Winter 2016 edition of Stonecroft’s Storied newsletter.

Please tell me it’s not yet time to celebrate Christmas! Am I the only one who notices that the years speed by more and more quickly?

Time continues to rush by. So I need to heed the words of the Apostle Paul:

“Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.”

–Ephesians 5:15-17 (ESV)

I need to walk with wisdom so that I use the time God has given me. If I walk within God’s will, I’ll wisely walk. How might I walk with wisdom through the holidays?

Thanksgiving reminds me of another admonition from Paul:

“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.”

–1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

What a wise way to walk through the holidays: to continually thank God for the good, the bad, and the ugly. I can remember that God arranges ALL circumstances for my highest good, that I might know Him better. So I thank Him, no matter what.

And never stop praying. While I pray and thank, I can pray for others during the holidays, especially those who don’t know Jesus. Check out the Holiday Prays outreach and pray for others through the season.

What comes to my mind as I think about Christmas? The God of the Universe sheds his heavenly robes and enters earthly life in swaddling clothes. The story of redemption starts in the manger and leads to the Cross. Messiah Jesus washes the feet of his followers. My Lord tells me that I must lose my life to find it: the way up is down. If I want to walk in wisdom, I walk in service and with humility.

So, how can I serve the spiritual needs of those around me at Christmas? Tell them the story of Jesus that they might enter the God’s Great Story. Pray for opportunities to share the Gospel this Christmas – and for new avenues to share His love – like the Alaskan radio outreach.

Plus, it’s easy to get “wrapped up” in Christmas busy-ness. Might wisdom-walking call me to simplify? To focus more on people than on projects and presents? To be present? Read Jessica Fick’s A Season of Simplicity challenge.

The New Year speaks of a new start, new life. It reminds me of resurrection – proof that Jesus completed the task of redemption, that He lives and reigns. When Jesus rose, he assured my future resurrection. Meantime, I experience little deaths and resurrections every time God shows me my sin and brings me through the path of repentance to new life. I am awakened.

How does God call me to walk in repentance? Whom do I love less than I might? Where does my faith falter? What idols rise above God in my affections?

Let’s ask God to Awaken each of us this New Year – drawing our hearts closer to Him – that we might walk into our communities as more effective instruments in His bid to win the hearts of each woman, where she is, as she is.

Join me, then, as I endeavor to walk with wisdom through the holidays and into 2017. And may God richly bless you as you draw closer to Him in your spiritual walk this season.