If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. ~ James 1:5

After finishing my formal education, I embarked on a journey. I’m not sure of the destination, but I know I am searching for something meaningful. In some ways, I know I am wrestling with philosophical questions. I am exploring biblical questions and some deeply personal questions. How? Why? What? …sometimes more importantly, When?

Journeys are a mixture of both excitement and fear, but I think it is a healthy dose of fear that makes it exciting. Anyone who knows me, knows I love to travel. I’m blessed to have been all over the world for a variety of purposes. When asked which was my favorite, I cannot answer it. Each country, village, market, ocean depth held it’s own secret and marvelous beauty.

Planning a trip is exciting. I begin with a list of locations, attractions, or activities, then scale back based on my budget. Timeframes. Departures. Tour times. All written down in a safe place, along with my tickets, vouchers, and reservations. Now I know where I’m going, and how to get there. I wish all life’s journeys were like this.

Several years ago, after seeing the movie, I made a “Bucket List.” It’s a list of places I wish to visit, goals I want to achieve, and areas of interest to explore before I—kick the bucket. I have several of these lists. One list is for places, another for activities. Still other lists for books to read, restaurants to enjoy, career goals, and financial goals. But there is one that is barely a list at all—“my quests.”

My quest began after reading a work of literature with an interesting question. The author did not suggest it this way, but—could godly wisdom be another face of God? I’m not suggesting a fourth person of the Trinity, but wisdom is an extraordinary gift and worthy of a journey. Some might call it a “pearl of great price” or a “treasure in a field” worthy of investment.

When I explore God’s creation and the natural sciences, I see God’s intellect (wisdom) in the created order of things. I am not a student of mathematics, but the logic behind mathematical equations are beyond human ingenuity. Humans did not create math, we figured it out. The expression 2+2 had always equaled 4; long before people figured out how to express it. Everything in our galaxy (and beyond) is an expression of God’s wisdom and creative genius.

Holy Scripture records many lessons of infallible truth. As Jesus taught apostles and followers, he imparted divine wisdom. In Matthew 5:21-26, Jesus addresses how murder begins as anger kindled in the heart. He continues in the following verses to teach how adultery begins with lust hidden in the heart. Jesus, among the titles of Christ, Savior, and Lord, is the great wisdom teacher, who shows us the path away from pain and toward abundant life.

The Word of God, John 14:26, tells us how the Holy Spirit will keep us in remembrance of the teachings of Jesus. To listen to the Spirit is to listen to Christ, who is teaching the wisdom of the Father. In other words, the Father created wisdom, Christ demonstrates it, and the Spirit reminds us of it. “But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption.” (1 Corinthians 1:30).

So my quest isn’t much different from Solomon—to seek wisdom. If we desire wisdom, we ask God for it. “Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.” (Proverbs 3:13-18).

Ladies and Gentlemen—Christians, let’s change the “man caves” and “she-sheds” to places to search for wisdom. Read the scripture, meditate on the characters. How was wisdom expressed in the passage? Who lacked wisdom and followed a path to destruction? Study science, literature, art, music, and space. See the awesome creative power of God available to you through Christ Jesus, and present in the person of the Holy Spirit.