Excerpted from Asking Wisdom from God WILLIAM P. MCKENZIE, CSB          It seems to be the custom of many to seek for advice casually, and it must be evident in such cases that it is more than information which they want. They desire to have a certain course commended and are very much less hospitable to counsel or warning that would dissuade them from what they wish to do than to the casual advice which seems to them to be confirmation of a cherished intention. This accounts perhaps for the surprising effect of what can only be called evil counsel and the apparent ineffectiveness of much good advice such as elders are continually giving to the young. It is a fact, however, that everyone at some time must actually learn wisdom.          The first step toward the gaining of wisdom may be said to be the recognition of one's lack of it, followed by desire for it. Ere long the search is full of zest because it is like seeking for hid treasure and jewels that are beyond price. In answer to the question, Where shall wisdom be found? the response is: "The Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding;" and a characteristic of those who receive wisdom is indicated by the proverb which says, "When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom."          Mrs. Eddy says (Miscellaneous Writings, p. 165): "The secret stores of wisdom must be discovered, their treasures reproduced and given to the world, before man can truthfully conclude that he has been found in the order, mode, and virgin origin of man according to divine Science, which alone demonstrates the divine Principle and spiritual idea of being." Why do men seek for glory rather than wisdom, for grandeur rather than grace?          The apostle James says, "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." Did the apostle really mean that wisdom may be given to all, to every one? Is access to the storehouse open to all? Can a child at school and the struggler in business, the mother with household cares, and the statesman responsible for a nation's welfare, each and all turn to a divine source for aid and true knowledge? The answer is, from age to age, Yes.   Excerpted from "Asking Wisdom from God" by William P. McKenzie, CSB Christian Science Sentinel, September 13, 1919

 

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