Be a Wise Guy

A couple years ago, I read a book that really changed how I viewed life - particularly the decisions and choices we make each day. The book is entitled The Best Question Ever, and was written by Andy Stanley, who serves as Senior Pastor for Northpoint Church in Alpharetta.

The first time I read it, I was just blown away. The question he poses is so simple - but it may truly be the best question each of us can ask ourselves each and every day. The question is this:

What is the wise thing to do?

I know. Seems obvious, doesn't it? But, how often do we truly ask ourselves this revealing question when going about our daily routine? If you're being honest with yourself, you'll admit that this isn't an easy question to answer a lot of the time. Sometimes it's a difficult question to answer because we truly do not know WHAT the wise move would be. But, many times it's tough to answer precisely because we DO know the wise thing to do - we just don't want to think about the consequences that might result from our poor choices.

Right now, I'm reading through it for a second time, as we're using this book as our couples Community Group study. These are all young couples, and I pray that they will all take the wisdom Andy Stanley shares to heart and take the time to make wise choices in their lives.

Wisdom isn't something you are born with. It's something you learn all throughout your life - and almost always we learn it the hard way (by making un-wise choices). Ultimately, there are two more practical - and less painful - ways to become wise. First is seeking counsel from those who are either more learned or more experienced than we are. Those who have walked down the road before us can spare us from making life-shattering mistakes.

But, without question, the number one way to become wise is to go straight to God's word. Read Proverbs. Read Ecclesiastes. Read the Gospels. The scriptures are rich in wisdom, and they exist as a "guide" for each of us to navigate through this earthly life we've been given.

Don't be stubborn. Don't say, "I'm gonna do it my way." Save yourself the time and relationships you'll lose by not asking yourself The Best Question Ever.

Be wise.