Learn From the Wise
Wisdom is gained when knowledge meets experience. That is why those who are older tend to also be wiser—they have more life experience to learn from.
It is necessary in life to learn from those who have more wisdom and experience, because they can help us see things that we don’t notice. Even though culture tells us that we should live our own truth and do whatever we think is best, it is this type of thinking that leads us into trouble.
Our capacity for wisdom is limited to our experiences. This is why Scripture tells us not to be wise in our own eyes.
True wisdom comes from fearing God. This means we should have a high regard for God’s Word and His instructions to us. He knows all things, including what is best for us.
We can also gain wisdom from other people. When we can learn from the mistakes and experiences of others, we’re better equipped to not make the same mistakes. However, if you think you’re the only one who knows best, you are bound to repeat the same errors.
Make a commitment today to listen to the wisdom and guidance of God in His Word each and every day before you listen to anything else. Then, commit to listening to the wisdom of trusted Christians in your life. Resolve not to go through life alone, but rather in community with others.
Justified by Faith
Paul, the writer of the letter to the church in Rome, covers the details of what is known as “the Gospel message”—a message that was handed down to them. It's packed with deep theological truths that are meant to shape the way Christians live.
One of the central components to the Gospel is that salvation comes through faith alone. That means we are saved by the power of God through believing and trusting in Jesus. Every Christian comes to God through faith—not through good deeds or by trying to earn salvation.
Paul says that we have peace with God by our faith in Jesus. Prior to that, we were considered ungodly and unrighteous—because we would live our lives in our own power, doing our own things. This led to separation from God.
However, by faith in Jesus, we are justified before Him. This means that through Jesus’ own right-living, we are made right before Him. Even though we still make mistakes, we can stand innocent before God because of Jesus.
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