Thinking Like God
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments; His praise endures forever.” – Psalm 111:10
The anticipation was pulsating through our little home on that day long ago. We were beginning a brand-new year of homeschooling, and my two boys were nearly jumping up and down at the breakfast table. It was finally September, the curriculum had arrived, the pencils were sharpened, and our dining room had turned into the happiest classroom you have ever seen.
As the teacher of these two rambunctious, curious little men, I decided that we would begin every morning with character building curriculum rather than Math, Spelling or Science. Developing the character of our sons was the reason my husband and I had chosen to homeschool; the first virtue we would be studying this school year was that of wisdom.
The anticipation was pulsating through our little home on that day long ago. We were beginning a brand-new year of homeschooling, and my two boys were nearly jumping up and down at the breakfast table. It was finally September, the curriculum had arrived, the pencils were sharpened, and our dining room had turned into the happiest classroom you have ever seen.
As the teacher of these two rambunctious, curious little men, I decided that we would begin every morning with character building curriculum rather than Math, Spelling or Science. Developing the character of our sons was the reason my husband and I had chosen to homeschool; the first virtue we would be studying this school year was that of wisdom.
Matthew, in second grade, had already learned to read, therefore, he read to Christopher and me the easy-to-understand definition of this mature word.
“Wisdom is thinking like God thinks,” he read in his most grown-up voice. And then he continued, “Wisdom is not thinking like a fool.”
As you can imagine, over the months of autumn, we had many lively discussions of what it meant to think like God. Was that even possible? If so, how does God think? How does a fool think?
We studied men and women who made wise decisions as well as those who made foolish decisions. As the years flew by, which they always do, the virtue of wisdom became a sought after, much-prized commodity in our simple home.
The boys grew into the middle school years, and as they left for a sleep-over, a youth group activity or a ballgame, I would remind them, “Use wisdom.”
As they then entered high school and were involved in extracurricular activities, going to parties or on dates, I always said, “Use wisdom,” as they ran out the front door.
And then, as we packed their cars for college and as they looked back at our home, I stood on the porch and whispered through my tears, “Use wisdom.”
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments; His praise endures forever.” – Psalm 111:10
The principle that I taught my sons so long ago often comes to mind even now when I am making a difficult decision. “Wisdom is thinking like God thinks.” It’s ironic that children’s curriculum has offered such wisdom concerning wisdom. I have learned through the decades, that to think like God thinks, I must know how He thinks. I must immerse myself in His Word to embrace His thoughts. The more I read the Bible and commit His Word to my heart, the greater the potential is that I will live a wise life.
If you are aching for wisdom today, perhaps you should open your Bible and hear from the One who holds the wisdom of the ages. After all, wisdom really is thinking like God thinks.
Questions for Reflection:
1. What is your definition of the word “wisdom”?
2. What is the most memorable lesson you learned from your parents?
3. Who is the wisest person you have ever met? If possible, write this person a note letting him or her know what they have meant in your life.
