The basis of our wisdom is often the knowledge that we gain over time. More often then not those we consider to be wise are those who have studied over a long period of their lives. We can look at all sorts of examples of people who for us have grown wise over time. Indeed if we were to go back in time the wisest were often thought to be the elders of the community whom we looked to for guidance and direction. In more recent years this understanding of wisdom has perhaps been laid to rest as we turn to those who are younger who keep up with modern trends and have thoughts of the future. They are wise in the world because they encompass the fast moving elements of society and we allow ourselves to be guided by them. However, our wisdom is based on the knowledge that we have and is thus limited by our own corporeality. Furthermore, our knowledge has, since the enlightenment, been more and more based on the physical reality of the world negating that which can not be defined or physically witnessed. This is the wisdom that Paul denigrates in his letter to the Corinthians (1:18-31).
Following Christ and basing ones life wisdom on God is not based on a physical proof or understanding of the world. Rather it is based on a deeper basis of understanding that goes far beyond the physical relying on the persons own 'faith' and interaction with God's Spirit in their lives. The wisdom of the world changes from era to era determined by what society perceives to be of the greatest good whether that be science or computer technologies or other increasingly fashionable knowledge bases. In taking up the cross and being counter to the current feeling of what is wise we maintain the wisdom of the ages that do not change at the foundational level but like any building can be expressed in a variety of forms. For Christians or those that follow Christ our living and ethical foundations are found in what are commonly referred to as the Beatitudes or the things of supreme happiness.
Unfortunately, over time we have come to think of the sayings at the start of the 'Sermon on the Mount' (Matt. 5.1-12) also found in the 'Sermon on the Plain' through the lens of theology. It is always fascinating to think of Christ's audience when we look at these writings. I can guarantee you that there were no theologians in the group that were listening to him. They were rather ordinary people who were given not theological masterpieces but gems of wisdom on how to live. Just thinking about the first one "Blessed are the poor" not from a theological perspective but from the perspective of reality. The wisdom of the world around us suggests that we should chase and hanker for the riches of the world in such a way that we neglect those around us. We pursue the goods of the world driving ourselves into debt so as to emulate the rich. Thus, finding ourselves lonely or without strong connections within the community whilst at the same time not allowing us the time to be with God. The wisdom of the ages suggests that the poor are blessed. I am not sure about you but the those living in poverty often are the more joy filled around us because they live within their own means and are happy with friends and community around them.
If we were to continue to look at this sermon of Christ we would find a way of living that is totally contrary to the wisdom of our present social circumstances. In order to be deemed wise we are to follow the tradition that has been set before us in both the academic sense and the worldly sense. Going against the grain of perceived knowledge and understanding places us on the outer edge of society and its various circles of influence, We just need to look at how we teach our children to see that we are often dependent on archaic knowledge and understanding to frame how children are to learn and grow. It is not surprising then when we follow such teaching and knowledge (that is claimed to be wisdom) we inevitably end up being stressed and not blessed in our lives. It is only when we adhere to the basic foundations that Christ gives to us will we find the blessedness of life in the fullness of God's presence.
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