Situated Sensibility

We were thinking about wisdom yesterday. Specifically, the wisdom of the shrewd manager in the parable Jesus told (Luke 16:1-13), who demonstrated a crafty wisdom by reducing the debts owed to his boss in order to invest in his own future.

Perhaps we often associate wisdom with characters like Gandalf or Gandhi. Or a quality that belongs to those who have lived a long life and are able to reflect on past and present actions with insight and understanding.

In her sermon, Ruth mentioned that her mother would notice and comment on what was sensible. ‘That sounds sensible.’ She’d say. And sure enough the action observed was usually an indication of a wise choice, one informed by thoughtfulness and motivated by a desire for a good outcome.

Wisdom is not a straightforward quality. It changes hue depending on the context and often requires courage and humility in equal measure. King Solomon asked for the gift of wisdom and subsequently developed the reputation as the wisest of all. In more contemporary contexts Desmond Tutu is remembered for his courage and humility in dealing with innumerable challenges that required a wisdom beyond human ability.

In our complex lives, and in this world of contradictions and challenges let’s pause when we feel overwhelmed or ill-equipped and ask what a sensible action looks like. And know that we can ask God, who made us and loves us, to grant us wisdom in all things.

Lord, in our prayers for wisdom

grant us also courage and humility,

that we may demonstrate

the values of your Kingdom in all we do. Amen