When I was a young leader, I would often mistake intrigue for wisdom. Intrigue wakes up curiosity. Curiosity can be helpful to propel thinking and imagination. Curiosity can spur on exploration and the pursuit of “a better way” or a healthier solution.
Intrigue and curiosity can also create a great amount of trouble. Intrigue and curiosity unchecked can create momentum that override the due diligence of spiritual discernment, listening to God and seeking good counsel. Group think can take over sound reasoning of people seeking and pursuing together.
Wisdom welcomes intrigue and curiosity with the real boundaries of knowledge, faith and experience. Wisdom slows intrigue and curiosity down for rigorous evaluation and vetting. Wisdom recognizes that curiosity and intrigue lack staying power. They always have a need for the next thing.
Wisdom has staying power that is made stronger through faithful endurance. Wisdom is something God gives in unlimited measure to those who ask for it with a resolved focus and commitment to God. Wisdom sees a way through in a profound and powerful way. Wisdom rarely makes a big splash, as by its very nature, it is humble, yet incredibly effective. The power of wisdom comes from the sheer effectiveness that flows from God himself.
Having been down the road of leadership, I now pause when I hear the words “that’s intriguing” in relationship to a real challenge. Questions of wisdom emerge. Does this make sense? Why is this intriguing? Is the curiosity rooted in fear? What would have to be considered? Should this intrigue be given any play time? How does this idea relate to who God has called us to be and what he has called us to do?
Submit the difficult situations to wisdom. While intrigue and curiosity may provide a little bit of help, be aware of just how fleeting they are. Choose wisdom. Ask God for wisdom. He gives it generously to those who ask Him with focused resolve.
I am so glad you are doing this, Ed. Thank you for your thoughts. It’s good to keep in touch with you!