Wisdom in a Time of Distraction
In what passes as news these days, it is important to distinguish what is actually news, what is contextualizing analysis or explanation of that news, and what is more or less informed opinion about either the news or the analysis. The first is useful, the second can be useful depending primarily on the degree to which, and the perspective from which, the analysis is informed, whereas the third is rarely useful - albeit occasionally entertaining. Unfortunately, the volume - in both senses - increases in reverse order to usefulness. In moving towards necessary simplicity, the third and largest layer ought be the first to go. The challenge, often, is to know which is which! For that, often, Spirit guided discernment is the only recourse. Of course, the Holy Spirit works better with the humble heart. Perhaps we should start all posts with “It seems to be - I could be wrong…”
In an opinion rich but wisdom poor media environment, James (3:13-18) partners with the Holy Spirit to provide a helpful metric for filtering out what is worthwhile from toxic trash. It is no surprise that the first layer, the gross filter, is character – good behavior reflecting gentleness. This is challenging in the deliberate anonymity of the news cycle – but speaks to the importance of knowing those from whom we receive even information, let alone from whom we take advice or counsel. I suspect the fact that a person is a Facebook friend is not be enough to accept everything they endorse by posting.
The primary mark of a believable character formed by wisdom is gentleness. The wise person doesn’t need to resort to insecurity generated bluster or bully to force acceptance of his or her perspective. There is a quiet strength to wisdom that does not need to assert itself but that underlies the whole of a life lived in alignment from the inside out. The wise person is a calm and non-anxious presence – engaged, but not enmeshed.
According to James, big red flags indicating lack of wisdom are bitter jealousy and ambitious striving. If a person is not solid in who they are, if they are not building on a foundation of beauty and goodness having believed the Voice from the heavens, inevitably they will resort to identity by comparison, with anger and resentment as the driving forces. And, because comparison never produces reality, they will find themselves striving – grabbing and grasping for the handles of more and better, forever climbing towards an illusive “some place” at which all will be well. Only to discover that wherever they end up, there they are. That, however, doesn’t stop them from boldly and brashly declaring their point of view as the only one worth having. Arrogance, anchored in insecurity and fear, drives them to continue long after they have become aware that they are wrong. Even though they produce chaos and increasing fear and confusion, such tactics evidently work on occasion in the Kingdom of this world – but they are never part of the coming of the Kingdom of God.
The wisdom that flows from and towards God’s Kingdom is refreshing by contrast. It is simple and singular – reflecting integrity inside and out – making for wholeness in relationships and in life. It is deeply anchored in enormous strength – and so is amenable to reason, able to yield without loss or defensiveness, marked by a kindness that enables mercy to those with whom there is disagreement, good to all without selective, self-aggrandizing manipulation of relationships. The long term outcome of a life shaped by such wisdom is righteousness informed peace. Sounds good to me.
As might be predicted, finding the latter type of wisdom is challenging on social media – or in media generally. So, we probably need to look elsewhere – perhaps to Him Who is the source of wisdom – and then use that as the lens through which to view the “news” and what passes as news.
