Unsolicited advice abounds today. We have COVIDOVERLOAD!
We know to keep our distance, wear a mask, and stay home.
We know to wash our hands, use sanitizer, and wipe down surfaces.
We know to shelter in place, not touch our face, and order takeout.
Something rises up within us tempting us to ignore all of those things, merely because we are being told to do them. We want to set the agenda, go where we choose, and do what we please. We know how to live life! We’re adults, but it feels like we’re children being scolded, and told the same things again and again.
But something else within us overcomes that childish tantrum and the irresponsibility that comes with it. That “something” is wisdom. In spite of the sternness of the warnings and repetition in the briefings, we subdue our rebellious streak and obey, and show others how to obey.
Solomon, the wisest man of all time, put it like this (Proverbs 4:6):
“Do not forsake wisdom and she will protect you;
Love her, and she will watch over you.”
There is a great picture here of how God has structured the world. Embracing wisdom really does protect us, and benefits us physically, morally, psychologically, spiritually, and relationally. And just as our health prospers as we follow the doctor’s orders, all of life prospers when we follow God’s. May we learn from our present experience how much pain we avoid and what blessings await us when we do things God’s way. The fear of the Lord is the fountain of wisdom. Proverbs 1:7
“Father, as we are seeking wisdom from the best medical minds of our time, help us search out the eternal wisdom of the Great Physician, and grant us grace to follow His prescriptions. In the name of Jesus. Amen.”