Do you remember the first mobile phone you had? Do you still have it? In terms of mobile technology it is like being from the age of the dinosaurs. Countless up-grades have taken their place.
What’s true about technology is becoming true about the way we think. Any new thought is worth more than an old thought.
In the Bible there are a bunch of books known as ‘wisdom literature’. Namely, these are Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs. These books are not recording history, but reflecting on life as we experience it and life from God’s point of view. I would call it ancient wisdom.
Indeed there is limitless wisdom in these writings. Psalm 90:12 says, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom”. Psalm 104:24 says “How many are your works, LORD! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures”. Proverbs 2:6 says “For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding”.
In the New Testament, Jesus tells us that a wise man builds his house upon the rock, while a foolish man builds his house upon the sand (Matthew 7:24-27).
Last week we were informed that the program known as Special Religious Instruction in primary schools, formerly Christian Religious Education, is to be closed down. After many decades of seeking to provide ancient wisdom to new generations, it is now deemed inappropriate for such material to take up the precious class time of children. Spiritual seeds are not for a secular needs!.
Instead of ancient wisdom, we are now enthralled by new ideas and philosophies. Instead of ancient wisdom, we have opinion pieces on every conceivable subject. Instead of ancient wisdom, we have ideology and propaganda disguised as free thinking. Instead of ancient wisdom, we pluck concepts of fairness and equality and respect out of thin air.
Our society has never been expressly Christian, but it has demonstrated a degree of respect and been influenced by the wisdom that once flowed from generations gone by. No longer. We live in new days with new ways. Those who subscribe to ancient wisdom would do well to buckle up for a bumpy ride. Preserving such wisdom is more imperative than ever.
Phil