Listen

When I came to you, brothers and sisters, I didn’t come preaching God’s secrets to you like I was an expert in speech or wisdom. I had made up my mind not to think about anything while I was with you except Jesus Christ, and to preach him as crucified. I stood in front of you with weakness, fear, and a lot of shaking. My message and my preaching weren’t presented with convincing wise words but with a demonstration of the Spirit and of power. I did this so that your faith might not depend on the wisdom of people but on the power of God.

1 Corinthians 2:1-5

Think

Paul, the writer of today’s text, visited the church in Corinth and got up in front of everyone and thought of… nothing. Nothing? What? That’s right! He said he thought of nothing but the crucified Christ. You’ve got to be connected to God to do this — to clear your mind and know that God is helping you to recall God’s words instead of your own, setting aside your own agenda so that you can listen for the wisdom of God.

We can do this, too — breathing deeply, clearing out the noise in our minds, and listening for the voice of God. This is also wise guidance as we go about our relationships — whether we’re working through conflict with a family member, being present with a friend who needs a listening ear, or offering wise guidance to someone going through a tough time. Clearing our minds and listening for the wisdom of God can help both ourselves and the people in our lives.

Erin Spengeman Hutchison

Pray

Wise God, help me to listen for your wisdom today.

Amen.

Go

As you go today, remember that God is ready to share wisdom.

Reach out your hands and accept it.