Article by Scott C. Stevents, Pastor, Evangelist, and US Army Disabled Veteran

Luke 2:52 “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.”

It is a short verse, but it c an apply to so many areas of a person’s life. Growing in Wisdom means there was an intentional act of studying and a plan for growth. Most of us do not naturally grow in wisdom; we grow older, sometimes heavier, and sometimes soarer, but wisdom does not come with age; it comes with experience, good judgment and learning from one’s mistakes.

I can remember when I first came into the military in 1990, I was not wise in many areas. I was told by my Drill Sergeant that if I listened to his instructions, followed his plan, everything would work out easily for me. I grew up not having a father around, and I loved it when I played sports, when other kids’ dads would be around to show me things and use their knowledge and experience to teach me.

I was always a “good kid” and I was never the best at anything, but would always be the “most improved”, “most teachable” or get the “coach’s award”. I usually felt welcomed on the Team I was on and always pushed myself hard in everything I did.

However, learning was not my favorite topic, nor did I picked it up naturally, plus I did not like to read was easily bored. I was always good and learning through demonstration and could find it easy to follow instructions. So, military life was rather easy for me. I did not know anything about being a soldier and there were others who TOLD me they knew what they were doing, so I believed them and followed their lead.

They had the experience and wisdom and I was open to their instructions. I have found out in life that being “teachable” might be one of the greatest gifts someone can have in life. However, there is a problem with learning or following orders. You have to make sure the ones you are listening to have your best interests in mind and are good people. Many people have bad motives for teaching you their ways, or they are selfish in their methods.

So, with wisdom, people must also have discernment. One of my favorite verses in the Bible says “Wisdom in the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with wisdom get Understanding” Proverbs 4:7.

So, having wisdom and knowledge is good, but the understanding of HOW to use that knowledge and wisdom is key to a person’s success in life. I have known a lot a head knowledge-people, who were clueless to finance, relationships, and even basic life skills. I am so glad that each time I wanted to learn a new area in my life, I reached out to wise men and women who lived a life that reflected their knowledge, and were not selfish or did ungodly things. It is sad to say, that in my 30+ years of experience as a coach, mentor, and Pastor, I have seen many people follow and listen to the wrong people and get into a mess in their lives because they did not use understanding and discernment to get out of the the situation they were in.

I have taught at the Detention Centers in MD and FL, and spoken with many people in my counseling sessions who did not want the life they are in, but followed or listened to the wrong person, and let their emotions and feelings get them into trouble.

I speak to youth, military men and women all across this country, and always tell them it only takes “ONE wrong relationship to destroy everything you built up” (just look at the story of Samon and Delilah). Because the relationships you build and trust in, are going to determine the path you follow.

I have known and counseled with many “successful” businessmen and women who have “trusted in” the wrong person who “took all their money”, or allowed another relationship to destroy their marriage, business and life. I found myself speaking with people daily who say, “I wish I could go back and change things”. No one wants to destroy their family, get fired or break ties with good people because of foolish behavior, yet it happens daily because we trust in the wrong people and are not WISE enough to stop something that is heading down the wrong path. I am glad I have mentors in my life who pour into me and challenge me to be better, do better, and live a better life. I am glad I read the Bible, which changes me from the inside out, read self-help books, and go to counselling when I feel out of place or off balance.

My wife and I started our relationship in 1992 in the Church and with Pastors who spoke with us for 6 weeks of Counselling on what is takes to have a successful marriage. Then, each year we committed to attending Marriage Workshops to improve and help our marriage and our relationship. Even when we felt like “nothing was wrong”, we attended and “grew in wisdom” in each session we went through, and we always made room for improvement.

I do not know what struggle you are going through right now, or what difficulty you are in by not using wisdom and discernment in your life? But I do know it is not too late, and you are NEVER too far removed that it can not be helped or improved. Reach out to me or a professional counselor to help you “grow in wisdom and strength”.

Let me Pray with you… Dear Lord, help me this day. Help me understand the errors of my ways, help me grow in You, and admit my mistakes, help me to humble myself to Your wisdom and strength. I want to live a better life, and know it begins with putting my trust in you rather than myself or others. Help me find positive people who will help me along the way, in Jesus’ Name Amen.

Feel free to reach out to me, a local Pastor, Spiritual Leader or a Chaplain at your local VFW or American Legion.

Read more articles from VOM Magazine here: www.veteransoutreachministries.org/vom-magazine