Live Wisely: Building with Intention

“Be careful then how you live—not as unwise but as wise."

(Ephesians 5:15) 

What does it look like to live wisely?

Wisdom is not just the accumulation of knowledge or right thinking; it is evident in our actions and application. 

Wisdom is often earned through hard lessons or mistakes. The challenges and trials can make us wiser if we remain teachable, humble, and open to the reshaping that correction forms in us. 

In the famous parable and children's song, the wise man constructed his house on the rock, unlike the foolish man who built hastily on the sand, and all his efforts collapsed.

Wise builders focus on quality and longevity. They take time, effort, and focus with a long-term perspective of growth and direction. It is physically demanding and energy-consuming to dig down into rock and lay secure foundations. It is easy to be distracted and discouraged by the quick-fix builders with their instant success, applause, and recognition. 

We must learn that building with intention is a process, not a race!

"Fools think their own ways are right, but the wise listen to others." (Proverbs 14:15

A Caution to Reconsider

We are cautioned to be careful. The fast and the furious frequently fail and fall when faced with unexpected troubles and conflicts

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Just take a moment now to reconsider, not just what you are investing yourself in, but also how you are building. 

• Wise investment will develop deep relationships that withstand the storms and reflect God's character.

  
  

• Wise decisions will align you to build with kingdom values and produce good fruit that lasts.

  
  

• Wisdom will connect you with heaven's perspective and shift your day into faith and obedience.

The Wisdom Checklist

James gives us a clear checklist to measure wisdom at work in our lives. 

Wisdom is not studies, a degree, a certificate, or a trophy award for accomplishments. It is formulated and forged in the challenges of pressing into God in faith and obedience.

"But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy" (James 3:17). 

We can clearly see that wisdom has no favouritism or discrimination. There is an integrity of judgement rooted in mercy and humility.

Mercy is the measurement of a submitted life. 

Check Your Wisdom Levels:

• Pure (no false or selfish motives)

• Peaceable

• Gentle

• Willing to yield (considerate, accepting, ready to give up position and being right!)

• Full of mercy

• Good fruits (remember, good fruits are those that last!)

• Without partiality (treat everyone equally, no favouritism or biases)

• Without hypocrisy (you are genuine, sincere, and authentic - your words and actions match!)Wise relationships are without dominance. They are peace-oriented, stewarded healthily with a heart for reconciliation and wholeness for all.

Gentleness is not softness or weakness; it's an underlying strength that refuses the self-entitlement of personal rights and superiority. It yields humbly, fairly considers, and works for the best for others. 

The challenge today is to live, walk, and build wisely.

Recheck the wisdom list and see what areas need some work!

Let's work on living wisely this week!