Unconventional wisdom

There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.    Proverbs 14:21

Unconventional wisdom cuts across the grain of our culture.

Conventional wisdom says, “It’s okay if it’s legal.” Unconventional wisdom asks not whether it is legal but if it is moral. Conventional wisdom says,  “Treat the other guy like he treats you.” Unconventional wisdom says treat the other person as you would like him to treat you.

Conventional wisdom says, “Keep it for yourself” and considers generosity to be a weakness. Unconventional wisdom sees a need and gives generously to meet that need. Conventional wisdom says if you don’t want to raise a child, then abort it. But conventional wisdom recognizes that every child is a gift from the Lord.

Conventional wisdom is that which Paul wrote of when he asked, “Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?” (1 Corinthians 1:20). Conventional wisdom takes advantage of the loophole in the contract, the weakness of your opponent, and the strength of your ability.

Unconventional wisdom is what causes God to love you. It is what brought His Son to the world long ago, where He lived among us and taught us that there is a way that seems right to a man but ends in death. Unconventional wisdom is a choice. It is what gives you a fork in the road and the courage to take the less traveled path.

Jesus put it so clearly, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it” (Matthew 7:13). That’s unconventional wisdom at its best.