As many of you may already know, Athena is considered to be the goddess of Wisdom in Greek mythology. This is something I struggled with growing up. Everytime somebody heard my name they automatically said, "Oh, your the goddess of (Blank)!" Most of the time they were confused as to what she was the goddess of, but it frustrated me that people would relate me to this pagan goddess. How Non-Christian is that? To have your name be some Greek goddess' name? Over the years I have learned to accept my name, realizing that if you delete the goddess part, being wise is not something that is bad to want.
So where do we find this wisdom? Job wondered the same thing. He has a whole chapter in his book of the bible dedicated to searching for wisdom.
"But where shall wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding?" – Job 28:12
One thing that Job did understand was the value of wisdom. He found that wisdom was the most valuable thing you could ever want to possess on all of the earth. More precious than gold or silver or crystal. But WHERE??? WHERE IS WISDOM???
How do we find it? Let's look to God's word.
"God understands the way to it, and he knows the place." – Job 28:23
"For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding." – Proverbs 2:6
"Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, and to turn away from evil is understanding." – Job 28:28
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding." – Psalm 111:10
The fear of the Lord? What does that even mean? Honestly, I've been having a rough time understanding that myself. Does it mean that I should run and hide from God? That's our human definition of fear right? I believe in this case the "fear" mentioned is referring to an awestruck reverence of knowing that I am a sinful human being in the presence of an unblemished, holy, and righteous God. When we realize our position in perspective to the almighty God. THAT right there is the beginning of Wisdom.
Okay, so now that I understand how to "start" to have wisdom, where do I go from there? If that's just the beginning, how do I get more of this wisdom?
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him." – James 1:5
Ask God!!! It's truely as simple as that. James goes on to explain that we have to ask in faith, but God holds nothing back from his children. As a child of God, wisdom is something that he wants us to partake of. So how do we know if our asking was in vain, or if God really did give us wisdom? What does a person look like who has received wisdom from above?
"Who is wise and understanding amound you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but it earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere." – James 3:13-17
Right there is plain, straight truth. Just as you will know a child of God by his/her actions. You will know if someone has wisdom from above by the way they handle earthly situations.
All this wisdom stuff may seem like a mouthful and something that seems like a waste of time to discover for yourselves, but this is really something that God wants for us. But don't feel like a failure if you haven't been seeking out wisdom. I honestly need a lot of work in this area. This blog is as much written to me as it is to you. The great news is that if you have already committed your life to Jesus, that is the first and most valuable wise descision that you could ever make. If you have never made that descision or don't know how to go about doing it, PLEASE feel free to message me with questions.
So back to my name…Athena. It may have been a name that I grew up hating. But at this stage in my life, I am happy that God blessed me with that name. Although I may not be happy with the goddess aspect of my name, it will definitely be something that encourages me to aspire to have more of God's wisdom. And that's something all of us can reach for. Whether your name is Athena or not.
