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Unconventional Wisdom

This past Sunday, I had the opportunity to share a short message with the volunteers at the Oak Leaf campus. Among other things, I talked about how God’s wisdom is different from conventional wisdom. I’ve always found this verse to be both challenging and encouraging in my spiritual journey:

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” (Romans 12:2)

It’s with that foundation that I have practiced what, to the rest of the world, must seem like a backwards approach to life in many ways. For example…

  • I’ve made it a practice to not work one day out of every week. My “business” continues to grow even though I’m not doing anything work-related one day each week. (Exodus 20:11)
  • Emily and I routinely leave our kids at home to go spend time by ourselves. We love our kids, but they aren’t the priority-our marriage is. By making the kids take a back seat to our marriage, our marriage is healthier…and so are our kids. (Ephesians 5:25)
  • Last year, Emily and I gave away more than one dollar of every five dollars we received before taxes. I can’t explain it, but the more generous we try to be with our church, other ministries, and people in need, the more “rich” we feel. (2 Corinthians 9:6-8)
  • When people begin to attack me personally for my approach to ministry or life, I’ve learned it’s best to stay silent. I don’t know why Jesus taught us to “turn the other cheek,” but that practice has never failed. I’ve always found that time and truth walk hand-in-hand. (Luke 6:29)
  • When the world says, “If it feels good, do it,” it turns out there’s actually more joy and freedom in pursuing holiness. If you don’t believe that, consider the consequences folks have to deal with who decided to “just do it.” (1 Peter 1:13-16)

I’m not writing this to encourage you to mimic my practices. I’m writing this to urge you to experience God’s will for your life. His will is good and pleasing and perfect. The crazy thing is that it looks different from conventional wisdom. That’s why you can’t know God’s will apart from God’s Word.

If you want a different life, you have to live life differently.