Wisdom: Differences Clarified
The Divine Operating System. Component #2: Wisdom
“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.” —Philippians 1:9–10 (NIV)
Discerning the path of wisdom often involves navigating complex situations where multiple factors are at play. It requires the ability to cut through the noise, identify the core issues, and make decisions that align with God’s truth and purposes. This is where the skill of clarifying differences and weighing options becomes essential.
One key aspect of this process is learning to differentiate between the good, the better, and the best. Not every opportunity or choice is inherently wrong, but some may be less optimal in light of God’s specific calling and direction for our lives. Discernment helps us prioritize what matters most and make decisions that maximize our Kingdom impact and alignment with God’s will.
Another important factor to consider is the difference between short-term gratification and long-term fruitfulness. The wisdom of God often calls us to delay immediate pleasure or comfort for the sake of greater eternal rewards. It teaches us to value character over convenience, obedience over popularity, and God’s approval over human applause.
Discernment also involves distinguishing between the convictions of the Holy Spirit and the condemnation of the enemy. Both may bring a sense of unease or discomfort, but they have vastly different sources and outcomes. The conviction of the Spirit is rooted in love and leads to repentance, restoration, and freedom. The condemnation of the enemy is rooted in shame and leads to despair, isolation, and bondage.
May the Lord provide us with the wisdom and insight to discern the difference between people, issues, and things so we may make the best decisions in our lives today!
[[Note: Excerpted from The Divine Operating System: 16 Vital Components for Optimizing Your Daily Christian Life, a brand new book by Iann Schonken, released in June 2024.]]