the kingdom of tools

Once upon a time there existed a Kingdom of Tools. Tools of every kind, from the kind that is used to make things, to the kind that fixes those things, to the kind that fixes other tools, lived happily together under the rule of the King, the Maker and FIXER of all things.

In this Kingdom of Tools, there was one particular Tool that really didn't know what he could be used for. He wanted to make things, but he just can't get himself to do it. He also wanted to fix things, but somehow he just wasn't strong enough for that.

One day, while living out this semi-pointless life of his, this particular Tool saw that some of his close friends were broken and malfunctioning, or at least, as far as he can tell. He decided right there and then, for the sake of his friends, that he'll become one of those Tools that fixes other Tools.

And so our particular Tool sets his mind to it, and builds up the determination to fix his friends. To his dismay, however, he again could not do it. Nothing that he did seemed to help. Discouraged, he went away.

Now the King, who was a compassionate and caring person, knew his subjects and his people well personally. He saw the pain and sadness of our (or rather, His) particular Tool. So he took this sad Tool into his arms, and spoke.

This is what He said,

"Silly Tool, do you still not realise why you couldn't fix your friends? nor anything else thus far? Let me tell you. You are a Tool, AND I AM THE MAKER AND FIXER. Without me operating you, OF COURSE you couldn't 'bring yourself to make things.' Without me plugging you in and using you, OF COURSE you weren't 'strong enough' to fix the WORLD! Foolish but beloved child, I will fix your friends, but I will do so when I KNOW the time is right, and I will use Tools that I KNOW is right for the job.

"So here what I want you to do. Have a seat with me, be thankful for what I have given you, but hustle while you wait, and be ready, because there'll be a time when I'll use you for what you were UNIQUELY created for."

Devo #3 - Wisdom

"Do you want to be counted wise, to build a reputation for wisdom? Here's what you do: Live well, live wisely, live humbly. It's the way you live, not the way you talk, that counts. Mean-spirited ambition isn't wisdom. Boasting that you are wise isn't wisdom. Twisting the truth to make yourselves sound wise isn't wisdom. It's the furthest thing from wisdom--it's animal cunning, devilish conniving. Whenever you're trying to look better than others or get the better of others, things fall apart and everyone ends up at the others' throats. Real wisdom, God's wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced."
James 3:13-17

I love how the Message always translate the Bible STRAIGHT into my heart. I totally thought I had that passage down after reading it a couple of times in NIV, but apparently, as I realized now, I'm more simple-minded than I thought I was.

What's wisdom to you? The definition of wisdom is: to be able to discern/distinguish good from bad, to have a good perception of things, common sense, etc. But then what? Before we can extend the definition of wisdom to "to know what to do or say in any situation," or basically, become a teacher of wisdom, we, as children of God, need to learn that there's something else that's more important than to show others that we are wise.

I've learned that, no matter how much wisdom I think I have to share, nothing teaches others about the wisdom of God more than your lifestyle. Nobody really wants to listen to advice from someone who is in constant inner turmoil. Nor from someone who likes to brag about his troubles. You know, the type of sharing that sounds like this: "you think YOU have it bad? Listen to what I'M going through!"

Shamefully, I confess that I have been that person who has tried to give "godly" wisdom when I had no idea how to stay joyful in my own life. And I have definitely tried to boast about my troubles, in vain attempt to convince others that I've experienced a lot in life, therefore I am wise.

Our Father, through the book of James, slapped me silly with the above passage. And I hope it slaps you silly as well. Like Faith, Wisdom is demonstrated through DEEDS, not words.

2 points that we need to remember about wisdom:
1) Godly wisdom comes from FEAR of the LORD.
2) Wisdom cannot only be KNOWLEDGE of what to do or say. It must be shown with a good life.
Do wisdom.