During birthday parties, we encourage small children to blow out a candle and make a wish. Anything, we say. Then, believe, or the wish won’t come true. We do the same at Christmas and when losing a tooth. Ask for anything, because it just might be theirs.
When Solomon was given the chance to ask for anything he wanted, he didn’t ask for a greater kingdom than his father or for an increase in the national treasury. He already had everything. Instead, he asked for something much simpler, something intangible, and something most people wouldn’t think of.
Solomon asked for wisdom.
Sometimes modern Christians struggle with asking for the correct things from God. We believe on the Lord, Jesus Christ; we take pride in the charity we afford others; and we think we've done all we need to do. However, God wants us to to be an example of his love. Paul told the believers at Corinth that even with their abundant charity and faith, without love, they had nothing. Love was the greatest of the three.
Even Jesus said we were to love God first, then love our neighbor as ourselves, for there was no greater command he could give.
It seems obvious that wisdom and love are the two treasures the Lord values above all else. Slide those two words together, and we get, quite literally, wisdom-love.
Wisdom-love. The love of wisdom. In one word, to be specific, philosophy.
If the literal definition of philosophy is the love of wisdom, then what is a practical definition? It is to look at the problems around us and try to understand them in connection with reality as we know it. However, to do this, we have three concepts to consider:
Concept #1 – Societal Values
This is another way of saying, our basic beliefs. What are our fables (telling our moral attitudes), and the behaviors we expect from those around us?
Concept #2 – Reasonableness
Does what we suggest make sense in the world as we know it? Will our suggestions, or conclusions, be accepted by those around us? Can we take what we already know and make sense of it?
Concept #3 – Attitudes of Individuals and the General Public
As the world changes around us, our level of knowledge constantly increases. How does that affect us, and how does that change who we are? How do we live with those changes and retain our humanity with respect to each other?
One man’s definition of philosophy is to take facts that do not fit neatly into any of our convenient “solutions” and figure out how they work into our system of beliefs.
Jesus and the message of the cross was one of those facts that would not fit into society’s system of beliefs. Paul addressed this in Colossians 2:4-10.
First, Paul tells us not to be deceived, no matter how persuasive someone’s argument.
The church at Colosse was facing deceptive teachings. They were being taught that they could achieve the perfection of Christ through their own works. It seemed good to them, but it was leading them astray. They had to get back to the cross.
Second, he reassures us that we are one in Christ, linked through the Spirit of God.
Paul acknowledged that he was not physically with the believers at Colosse. Neither had he established the church at Colosse. Nor could he travel to visit with them. He was in prison at the time. Yet, he pointed out the link that bound them as one, the Holy Spirit, and he encouraged the believers to continue in the steadfastness of Christ.
Third, our goal is to stand on our salvation in Christ Jesus.
When we first come to Christ, our lives are all about Jesus. It is only later that other concerns wedge themselves in, and we begin to draw away. Paul encouraged the Colossians to remember that moment when they first found their faith. That was where they needed to return.
Fourth, society’s traditions and the laws of nature cannot structure our walk with Christ.
Philosophy was being used to brush aside the mysteries of the cross, citing traditional beliefs and the natural laws of the physical world. However, Jesus is of the spiritual world, and the normal rules do not apply. If we believe otherwise, we let the devil cheat us out of our salvation.
Fifth, Jesus is one with the Father.
Some religions, even today, teach that Jesus was no more than a good man, a prophet who died upon the cross. However, Paul makes it clear that he is much more. Jesus has the fullness of the Godhead living in him.
Sixth, when we walk with Christ, we need no other guide.
We need only look to Jesus for our direction. When men come to us with teachings that do not include the cross, we must look away, searching until we have Jesus fully back in our sights.
Blow out a candle and make a wish. That is childhood fantasy. Rather, we should read the Word and follow Jesus. Philosophy helps us understand the world. The Bible helps us understand ourselves. Once we understand what the Bible says, there is no question but that if we follow in the steps of Jesus, we will receive life everlasting. The Bible tells us so.
When we hear a message other than Jesus on the cross, we must return to the Word, for there we will find spiritual truth.
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