In my role as an NFL chaplain, people would often ask me how so many professional athletes with exceptional athletic and social abilities, a boatload of money and multiple opportunities, could make such a mess of their lives. The answer is simple – NONE OF THOSE THINGS MAKE US WISE FOR LIVING.

The philosophy of this world (culture) claims that wealth, position, power and influence are the ultimate markers of success. While there is nothing wrong with those things in themselves, in an unhinged culture, they present a very false hope.

Becoming wise is not automatic just because we have a relationship with Jesus. The Book of Proverbs reveals two things we must do to gain wisdom:

1. Reverence God. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.”  Proverbs 9:10 (NASB) 

2. Receive His Word. “Listen to advice and accept discipline, so that you may be wise the rest of your days.”  Proverbs 19:20 (NASB)

These two verses identify why our culture is unhinged. The culture in general has no fear of God nor the humility to follow His instruction.

I am glad you are reading AIA devotionals, but don’t stop there! If you read a chapter in Proverbs each day corresponding to the day of the month, you will finish the book monthly, twelve times a year. As we follow God’s instruction, our lives will become increasingly marked by wisdom.

(Note: The Book of Proverbs is written in the form of principles, not promises. We cannot take a principle that generally plays out in life and turn it into a promise that we think we can hold God to.)

Today’s devotional is one of five this week on “Living In An Unhinged Culture” by Tom Petersburg.