The Beginning of Wisdom

I’m not especially knowledgeable about astronomy, aeronautics, or engineering. But I have to admit that hearing the latest news about space exploration often sends a ripple of excitement through my heart. Stories about lunar landings and spacecraft never fail to grab my attention. But even though I enjoy reading about space tech, I wasn’t prepared for the long list of everyday technologies that popped onto my screen. I was wondering what kind of legacy the space race of the 1960s and 70s left behind. I was surprised…lasers in eye surgery, infrared thermometers, scratch-resistant sunglasses, safety grooves on highways, anti-icing systems for airplanes, video enhancement tech, firefighting equipment, freeze drying food, baby formula, water purification, solar power. The list went on and on. All of these conveniences, safety measures, and gadgets were spin-offs of the research, experimenting, and engineering that NASA invested in exploring space. If there hadn’t been a space program, many of these technologies probably wouldn’t exist. [1]

There are a lot of ways that our world has been indirectly affected by launching rockets toward the stars. Of course, there have been negative changes and tech too. I’m not claiming that everything that grew our of the space race was beneficial. But these positive by-products got me thinking about indirect influences on our spiritual lives. One of my favorite texts in all of scripture goes like this: “Thus says the Lord: ‘Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, let not the mighty man glory in his might, nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, that he understands and knows Me,
That I am the Lord, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight,’ says the Lord.” (Jeremiah 9:23, 24)

Wisdom is a wonderful thing, but unfortunately many have pursued wisdom without first laying the foundation. True wisdom is founded on a friendship with our Creator. Gaining wisdom, we could say is a by-product or result of seeking God and growing in our knowledge of and connection with Him. In my experience, when I’ve tried to grope after wisdom without focusing on its Ultimate Source—Christ—I only end up making rash judgments and sloppy conclusions that end up biting me later on. Real wisdom comes from reflecting carefully on the Bible’s principles and inviting God to guide and empower our lives for His glory each day. As Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”