Context

In post-Brexit Britain, Prime Minster, Boris Johnson, sets out his vision for the country’s trading relationship with the EU. 

US President Donald Trump likely to be acquitted at his impeachment trial. 

US Democrats seek to choose a candidate to challenge President Trump among vote chaos. 

Residents in Norwich protest against racist ‘Happy Brexit’ notices.

Churches in Britain and Ireland mark Racial Justice Sunday this Sunday.

 

Reflection

The term ‘wisdom’ appears six times in Paul’s epistle, both in reference to Godly wisdom and that considered to be ‘earthly’, or of human origin, and the Apostle used passages from Isaiah (Isaiah 64.4) to argue that God’s wisdom is superior to anything conceived from the human mind. With this in mind, Paul resolved not to use ‘persuasive words’ or ‘human wisdom’ when engaging with those in Corinth, but to solely rely on God’s power to persuade them to accept the truth of his message.

Paul’s take on Godly wisdom echoes those found in James 3.17, which state that: ‘…the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere’.

When one considers the word ‘wisdom’, the name ‘Solomon’ invariably comes to mind. As king, Solomon used this Godly-inspired gift to dispense justice and good leadership upon his subjects.

There is little doubt that many of today’s world leaders need Solomon-like wisdom to carry out their duties. For instance, commentators of all political persuasions have argued that PM, Boris Johnson’s real challenge was not getting the country out of the EU, but will be negotiating the various post-Brexit deals (including the trade ones) with the EU, the USA and elsewhere, to ensure that we all experience the much-heralded ‘sunny uplands’ of Brexit. The PM must also find tangible ways of healing the existing societal divisions caused by Brexit, and safeguard against new ones caused by those who have a more racist interpretation of what Britain leaving the EU means.

In the USA, those linked to the Democratic Party need to use real discernment to select the right candidate to challenge Donald Trump for the presidency of the United States later this year. Will they opt for a charismatic candidate who can energise the party, or someone blander with greater mainstream appeal?

Even though Solomon was wise ‘beyond measure’, he still had ‘elders’ who assisted him with his judgements (1 Kings 12.6). The question is, are our current leaders more like Solomon – or his son, King Rehoboam, who ‘rejected the advice the elders gave him, and consulted the young men who had grown up with him and were serving him’ (1 Kings 12.8)?

The apostle James is clear when it comes to how we can obtain true wisdom when he says: ‘If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.’ (James 1.5) May we, as well as our leaders, be encouraged to take advantage of what God has to offer as, ‘the one who gets wisdom loves life; [and] the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper’ (Proverbs 19.8).

 

Prayer

Heavenly Father,
we thank you for your wonderful world and its beautiful people,
all of whom are made in your image and loved by you.

Transform our hearts and minds,
so that we can truly celebrate the diversity of your creation,
rather than fear or despise those who are different.

Give us the courage to challenge prejudice,
using love, truth and justice as the weapons in the struggle against inequality.
May your Church be a beacon of hope, truth and integrity,
Inspiring a world that is in need of so much.

This we ask in Jesus’ name.
Amen.

 

Questions

• Do we call on the equivalent of ‘elders to provide us with wise counsel’ when we have important decisions to make? If not, why not?

• We often confuse wisdom with knowledge. What in your opinion, are the major differences between the two?

 

All-age activity

Britain’s initial decision to leave the EU in 2016 saw a rise in racism and hate crime. Racial Justice Sunday, which takes place on Sunday, 9 February, is an opportunity to remember the importance of racial justice; reflect on human diversity and thank God for it; and respond by working to end injustice, racism and ignorance through prayer and action.

Several British churches have produced a range of resources that enable Christians to engage with these justice-related matters. One such resource focuses on Gipsy, Traveller and Roma communities and includes a number of pledges to which churches are encouraged to support.

 

Young people

The Baptist Union has produced the young people’s resource ‘No Outsiders’ which challenges young Christians to tackle inequality and injustice wherever it is found. One activity from the resource involves placing teenagers into pairs and asking them to design a slogan which could be hung up in a school, church, youth club, etc, that would promote, celebrate and/or highlight tolerance, acceptance, support and sensitivity towards differences in others.

 

Richard Reddie is the Director of Justice and Inclusion at Churches Together in Britain and Ireland. He worships at St James (Church of England), West Streatham in London.

 

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