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Wisdom Story
Four learned, accomplished men said to themselves, "Of what use is all our learning if we do not seek to work for the great king?" So they set out to the capital.
Among these four, three were particularly brilliant. The fourth was far inferior in intellect. He had the most sense however.
On the way they came to the skeleton of a lion. One said, "Let's bring this lion back to life." The second and third agreed, noting to do so would bring them much fame. The fourth said, "If you bring this lion back to life, he will attack and devour you."
The first had already started using his superior knowledge to put flesh back on the bones, and he cried, "Don't interrupt!" The second quickly introduced blood into the lion. The third was about to breathe life into the beast, when the fourth cried out, "We should think of safety!" "Shut up!" yelled the third, as he continued breathing into the lion.
The fourth said, "Okay, I'm going to go sit in this tree over here. Just in case."
The lion came to life. He killed the three men. The only one who survived was the one in the tree.
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Comments
Superior spiritual knowledge and adeptness in contemplative gifts does not guarantee common sense. We cannot assume a person highly sensitive spiritually is adept in practical matters.
A spiritual adept might struggle in practical aspects of life~I know, for I do, and much. There is, however, difference between being impractical and foolish.
What shall we do if we find we have acted foolishly? Well, for one thing, do not assume you are any less spiritual or in love with God because you did something that now seems misguided or even harmful to others or yourself. We can all look back and see how we acted unwisely, sometimes foolishly, even though we had sincere intent. Admit your mistake and move on.
If you are gifted spiritually and not gifted practically, living in a practical culture and efficiency~oriented church can be a big challenge. Again, I know, for I live with the challenge daily. I have lived with it the last forty-six years. Some days my impracticality does not bother me. Other days I feel literally oppressed by it. Some days I would love someone to walk up to me and say, "Brian, it's okay. You are still as valuable to God and others as anyone. Just be yourself, your wonderful and impractical self. God made you the way you are. Give it to Him. God needs you as you, and we do too."
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