Knowledge, Understanding and Wisdom : The Biblical Trifecta

They say that knowledge is power and so it is. But power but can be used for both good and evil – for benevolence or manipulation.  The Bible has a lot to say about knowledge and, in fact, often combines it with the terms “understanding” and “wisdom”.   As I delved into this study a bit I was fascinated with the Biblical insights and practical usage of this trio. Even if you’re not a believer in the Bible you may enjoy some of these principles – let’s take a look.

At first glance it may seem like there isn’t much of a distinction between these three elements and, they do indeed overlap, but the Bible seems to define each one as unique. The word “trifecta” that I’ve used is a horse racing term and it refers to when a bettor has correctly guessed the top three winning horses - and in the correct order nonetheless! So it seems fitting to use the term in this post.

Proverbs 2: 1-6 mentions the three words many times:

               

“My son, if you receive my words,

And treasure my commands within you,

So that you incline your ear to wisdom,

And apply your heart to understanding;

Yes, if you cry out for discernment,

And lift up your voice for understanding,

If you seek her as silver,

And search for her as for hidden treasures;

Then you will understand the fear of the LORD,

And find the knowledge of God.

For the LORD gives wisdom;

From His mouth come knowledge and understanding…”

As you read through the Bible, the book of Proverbs and into the New Testament it seems that there is an order in which these three are laid out – like the rungs in a ladder.

First is knowledge – a gathering of the basic facts.  God said at one point “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge…” Hosea 4:6 In this case, referring to the knowledge of God’s Word, teaching and will.

The Bible also says of knowledge:  “Every prudent man acts with knowledge, but a fool lays open his folly.”  Proverbs 13:16 What this reminds me to do is to get educated before I drop my opinions on any given situation.

Genesis also uses the Hebrew word for knowledge in a very unique way:  “Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived…” Genesis 4:1 We see here that this type of knowledge is not just cold facts about Eve – this was profound intimacy. We often forget that knowledge is more than stats for our brain – it is also how we become friends with someone and develop relationships – for our heart.

Then understanding – putting those facts together in context and cohesion. If we compare factual knowledge to pieces of a puzzle then understanding is being able to put those pieces together in the correct format so as to see the “Big Picture”.

You know  - that “aha” moment when the light bulb goes on and all of a sudden the muck makes sense.

Nehemiah records that the priests and preachers  “… read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them ( the people) to understand the reading.” Nehemiah 8:8

Jesus did this for His disciples as well. Often when He told a parable to the crowds, He would later explain it in depth to these men – giving them the plain understanding of what could sometimes be mystic words (see Mark 4).  

Last comes wisdom – the real life application of knowledge and understanding.

Now the proverb tells us that wisdom is the principal, or foremost, thing ( Proverbs 4:7). It is the application of “understood knowledge”. Some use the analogy that knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit, but wisdom is knowing not to serve it on a platter with apples and bananas (because that would just be eck).

In 1 Chronicles 28:21, the Bible actually uses the Hebrew word for wisdom “ Chokmah” to refer to “skillful men”  (NKJV translation) who built the Temple of the LORD – which we could assume to include such skilled workers architects, engineers, managers, carpenters, engravers, artists and the like.  In other words, they took their “book knowledge” and applied it in the real world.

It should be that Biblically speaking, wisdom is a gift from God . Therefore a person who has little knowledge and little understanding may still have great wisdom. 

"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." James 1:5

There is also a practical pattern we seen played out in other areas.  In Hermeneutics ( the science of interpreting a text or book correctly) , for example,  we see that there are three basics when reading a text:

1 1)   Observation – Just like our definition of knowledge it is simply observing the facts , what is there and what is not there, and making note of it.

2 2)   Interpretation – Using the context of the book, culture, history and linguistics etc to form an accurate understanding of what is meant by the original author to the original audience.

3 3)     Application – How to take this “understood knowledge” and apply it to our everyday lives in the current time and space we are in.

Perhaps a more common analogy (as I've already alluded to) may be that of the classroom.

When I was in college I had to read textbooks and learn facts and figures and stats ( knowledge) but there were times when these myriad facts just did not make sense to me.  

That is when I benefitted from the knowledge, experience and communication ability of my Teacher / Professor . He or she would help me gather up the facts (whether it was Accounting, Economics or English) and explain it to me in such a way that my mind could really grasp, or “understand”,  it.

By the way, I’ve often heard people say “Those who can’t do, teach.” as if to imply that teaching is somehow a lesser person’s vocation.  Nonsense!  Teaching is both a science and an art that is hard to master and the Bible tells us that it is integral to mankind and filled with responsibility.

So what about wisdom in this classroom analogy? ?   Ahh that’s where the rubber hits the road. As many students will attest one can have all the book knowledge and even understanding in the world but when you go out of the classroom and into the real world you need to know how to apply it effectively and efficiently.

 I had learned all kinds of things about running a hotel and managing the people that work there in my college classroom but when I arrived at the Hyatt Regency in  Denver, Colorado as a fresh faced Canadian kid I had a lot of “on-the-job” learning to do. For example, learning to relate to both clients, management above me and the staff I was in charge of. 

One sweet but forthright housekeeper named Hermalinda was teaching me how they clean a room at the Hyatt (because I was in charge of inspecting her work). While making a bed, she looks up at me and says “So I train ju and then ju be my supervisor?”  Umm yeah… sorry about that. I learned to treat those men and women with a lot of respect and kindness and in turn they grew to respect me( well most of them anyways).

Before wrapping up , just a few words of warning from the Bible on this topic. Although the Bible most often relates knowledge as a very good and necessary  thing it also gives quite a few warnings about it as well:

      > It can make us proud , arrogant and cocky ( 1 Corinthians 8:1) . No one likes a “know-it-all” right? The answer to this danger? – love ( or kindness). Knowledge “puffs” up but love builds up. Knowledge without humility is dangerous and knowledge without love can be cruel.

>Knowledge can be falsely called truth ( 1 Timothy 6:20)   The Greek term is actually “ gnosis psuedonymos” , kind of like pseudo-science. Yes, that’s right, the Bible cares very much about science.  

> It also reminds us that “The fear ( or due respect)  of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1:7)  

>“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools.” Romans 1:20-22

So let us seek knowledge,  seek understanding even more and wisdom above all else.  And here is a good place to start:  “…Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”  Colossians 2:3

“Does not wisdom cry out,

And understanding lift up her voice?

She takes her stand on the top of the high hill,

Beside the way, where the paths meet.

She cries out by the gates, at the entry of the city,

At the entrance of the doors

“To you, O men, I call,

And my voice is to the sons of men.….

Receive my instruction, and not silver,

And knowledge rather than choice gold;

For wisdom is better than rubies,

And all the things one may desire cannot be compared with her.”

Proverbs 8:1-4, 10-11

Laurie Boschman and The Legacy of Faith In The NHL

I’m told that Laurie Boschman is a distant relative of mine. That, however, is not why I am writing about him here.  In a sports league that is much more reserved than its peers, Laurie Boschman has played a significant role in blazing a trail for Christians in the National Hockey League.

Whether it’s that vocally reserved culture of most hockey players, a possible frowning upon of outspoken faith in the league or just a more secular media coverage in Canada than we are used to in the U.S. , you don’t hear too much about an athlete’s personal faith in the NHL. The “PDF” ( Public Display of Faith) is a bit more rare in the good ol’ hockey game.

That’s not always a bad thing – it is, of course, far better to walk the walk than merely talk the talk. But as I have begun to research this topic of Christianity in the NHL (both now and in the past)I have discovered a real legacy of faith amongst some of its most popular players.

I’ve discovered that Bernie “Boom Boom” Geoffrion, inventor of the “slap shot” and winner of 6 Stanley cups with the Canadiens, wrote these words at the end of his autobiography:  “Once upon a time I used to believe that hockey was everything. It isn't. God and family come first. Being happy with the Lord and my family is a lot better than winning 500 Stanley Cups! When you are flat on your back the only place to look is up-to God.”

I’ve discovered that Paul Henderson, scorer of perhaps the most famous hockey goal in Canadian history, found his faith in Jesus Christ through a friend who told him he “hadn’t  (yet) taken care of his soul”. After all the glory days Paul says he still felt bitter, angry and discontent and that, after a long struggle with his pride and fears, he said he finally: “…gave my life to the Lord”.

I’ve discovered that Mike Gartner, one of the game’s best right wingers and member of the 700 goal club, was led to Jesus by none other than Jean Pronovost.  Pronovost  (who himself was led to faith  by Atlanta Flames defensemen Ed Kea and his wife) mentored Gartner in the position and  also invited him to Bible studies at his home. Later , on a flight between games,  Gartner recalls that Jean asked him a very direct question  “ Mike, if this plane goes down, do you know where you will spend eternity?”  In the book,  “Toward the Goal” , Gartner tells of his personal experience with Jesus Christ when “In the quietness of my hotel room, I got on my knees and said : ‘ Lord, if You are real, come into my life now and change me.”  

But now back to Laurie Boschman. His story from top draft pick of the famed Maple Leafs, to being in the club’s doghouse , then back to resuming a successful NHL career and now to current chaplain of the Ottawa Senators and member of Hockey Ministries International is inspiring.

Boschman was born and raised in Saskatchewan and later moved to Manitoba where he played for the WHL’s Brandon Wheat Kings. He played 14 seasons in the NHL for the Leafs, Oilers, Jets, Devils and finally, in 1992 , the expansion Ottawa Senators where he became the first captain in team history.  

It was in Toronto though where he had two profound encounters. The first and most important was meeting and getting to know the Leaf’s forward Ron Ellis. He respected the way Ellis carried himself n and off the ice and finally asked him “What makes you tick?” . Ellis went on to explain his relationship with Christ and the guidance he found in the Bible. Not long after,  Boschman prayed with Ellis , believing and receiving the Gospel.  Similar to the fears of Paul Henderson before him, Laurie said to Ellis as he was leaving “Just don’t tell the other players, OK?”.

The second was much more a trial than a joy. The infamous Harold Ballard was the owner of the Maple Leafs at that time and , like a number of other players, Boschman had his run ins with him. After a poor game at Madison Square Gardens verses the Rangers, Ballard singled him out for his “soft” play – but what’s more he blamed it precisely on his new found Christian faith.

“He said I had too much religion, and that he was going to trade me or send me down to the minors,” says Boschman in a Calgary Herald article.

Some would say that a perceived image of the Christian hockey player as being “soft” started right  then and there. But this image is not held by all. Mike Gartner said that his conversion made him more motivated than ever. “I played to glorify God and I played my best. I felt responsible to God to use the talents and abilities He had given me.”

In the same Calgary Herald article, former NHL’er and now ESPN Analyst Barry Melrose says:  “A lot of people in the hockey world feel you can’t be a big tough physical hockey player and be a Christian, but my history of being around Christians is totally opposite. They’re some of the most fierce competitors there are in the world.”

Boschman’s stats speak for themselves though as he is one of only 16 players to have scored 500 points and amassed over 2,000 penalty minutes in a career.

Since retirement in 1992, Laurie has suffered the loss of his first wife of 21 years to cancer. Of this tragic event he says:  “The reason I was able to survive the days, months and years after I got the news that somebody I loved very deeply had been diagnosed with cancer was my faith. That’s the foundation. Faith in Christ is the foundation for any relationship and for anything that happens inside that relationship. Faith doesn’t take away the tears and the sadness, but it gives us hope and provides us with a foundation to keep on going.”

Boschman is now happily re-married with a blended family and is not only the chaplain for the Ottawa Senators, but the coordinator for all the team chaplaincies in the NHL. In regards to his work ( which is in accordance with his role with the faith organization Hockey Ministries International) he states: “We’re pretty low-key about how we go about the business of faith in hockey,” says Boschman. “We understand that some people still have pre-conceived notions. The bottom line is that the chapel program is player-driven, and the teams who have chapel and who offer it to their players have benefited greatly.”

I was recently talking to one of my pastors ( who just happens to be American) and we were discussing the difference in openly Christian players between the NHL and the other three major North American leagues. He said that he believed one of the biggest reasons was team chaplains or rather the historic lack of them in hockey. If this is true then Hockey Ministries International and Laurie Boschman are on to something.

As it stands today there are a growing number of openly Christian players in the NHL including Jarome Iginla, Mike Fisher, Shane Doan, Eric Staal, Ryan Smyth, David Booth and Dan Hamhuis to name a few. They are respected players who don’t just talk the talk but also walk the walk.

Its been often said that hockey is religion in Canada. If that is indeed the case, then perhaps it will be through the legacy of these players, past and present, that other lovers of the great game may just find their way from the religion of the rink to the gospel of the Cross.

“Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath (crown), but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air.” Paul, 1 Corinthians 9:25-26 (ESV)

Sources:

Bernie Boom Boom Geoffrion :  http://www.hockeyministries.org/rwt-blog-44338

Paul Henderson http://powertochange.com/discover/faith/paulhenderson/

Mike Gartner:  “Toward the Goal” by Cathy Ellis

Laurie Boschman:

Calgary Herald Article: http://www.calgaryherald.com/life/Christians+hockey+coliseum+National+Hockey+League+tentatively+embraces+players+religion/8273238/story.html

http://manitobahockeynews.com/former-jets-star-laurie-boschman-twice-blessed/

Wikipedia

More Info on Christians in the NHL:  https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2796219864124063055&pli=1#editor/target=post;postID=1698163683768725397;onPublishedMenu=posts;onClosedMenu=posts;postNum=2;src=postname

Its Not About Me (Thank God!): Reflections on Music, Sports and Other Types of Fame.

We’ve been living in an age when famous people often thank God as they receive an award or some such thing and then continue to go off on a narcissistic rant or lead a train wreck lifestyle. They may say the Name of Jesus Christ but all too often live completely indifferent to His teachings and commands. To be fair, lots of not famous people do this too.

To purposely misquote Kanye West, the real question should be, “Do I walk with Jesus?”

So in an age like this its refreshing to hear Grammy award winner, Mandisa, explain why she didn’t attend the Grammys.  

“I can’t tell you how little I enjoy people scrutinizing what I am wearing and how I look. I’ve been on the receiving end of such mean comments coming from the other side of the anonymity the world-wide web provides. I can usually handle it, but recent events have left me feeling insecure about such things these days … I wish I could tell you it doesn’t hurt my feelings. Honestly, it does. I’m still learning to believe the truth about me….

(Also) …both times I have gone to the Grammys I have witnessed performances I wish I could erase from my memory, and yes, I fast forwarded through several performances this year; but my reason is not because of them, it’s because of me.  I have been struggling with being in the world, not of it lately. I have fallen prey to the alluring pull of flesh, pride, and selfish desires quite a bit recently.

“Don’t fall in love with this corrupt world or worship the things it can offer. Those who love its corrupt ways don’t have the Father’s love living within them. All the things the world can offer to you—the allure of pleasure, the passion to have things, and the pompous sense of superiority—do not come from the Father…” 1 John 2:15-16a (The Voice)

I knew that submerging myself into an environment that celebrates those things was risky for me at this time. I am taking steps to renew my mind to become the Heavenly Father-centered, completely satisfied with Jesus, and Holy Spirit-led woman I felt I was a few months ago, but I’m feeling a bit like an infant learning to walk again on shaky legs. Perhaps being alone with Him as my name was announced was protecting myself from where my flesh would have tried to drag me had I been up on that stage.”

I think I would like to attain to her example. I think I need to.

In an age like this I was skeptical when a pastor from Seattle all of a sudden became a mentor to Justin Bieber. Was he just trying to sneak into the limelight?  Then I found out the real story. Justin’s mother, Pattie Mallette ( a committed Christian) made a personal phone call to Pastor Judah Smith 3 years ago. In this article from the Christian Post, Smith explains:

"His mom called me....and he was having a concert in Everett (Washington)," Smith shared on Fox and Friends in February of this year. "Lo and behold he had heard me preach when he was younger in Toronto. I guess I used to put him to sleep. His mom said she'd play my tapes and he'd fall asleep."

You may still scoff and ask why Bieber is still living such a disastrous lifestyle. As a former youth pastor (well, youth leader anyways), I can tell you we often, agonizingly, watch while the young people in our charge make bad decision after bad decision.

But God is a God of patience and grace and unconditional love and I imagine that Pastor Judah is seeking to emulate those characteristics with Justin.

In an age like this its refreshing to hear athletes like recently crowned Super Bowl champions Russell Wilson and Kam Chancellor genuinely give the glory to God. Not just lip service but hands-and-feet service. They walk the walk even when the spotlight is off them. Although far from perfect , they are authentic and sincere – they are real.  Dr. Karl Payne, chaplain to the Seattle Seahawks for 20 years sums it up nicely:

“They understand the eternal perspective has to trump things of time. Three-point-four is an average NFL career.  The walk with Christ is going to last a lot longer than the other. When the tinsel and confetti are done its just me and Jesus. The price of your soul was the death of the Lord Jesus. if the price is the same then the value is the same. They’re locked on that. They understand that in the context of winning and losing. I am valuable because I belong to Christ. End of story.”

So what is really refreshing in an age like this – and in any age of history – is to see folks ( me and you included) realize that its quite simply not about music or sports or fame or power or money. We realize, in fact, that it is not about “me” at all. It is so joyously liberating to realize that, contrary to all that the world heaves on us spiritually, mentally and emotionally, our salvation  and our value and worth do not come from within but from above.

But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whomfn the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Galatians 6:14

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The Invisible Resistance Theory: An Illustration Exploring Unseen Health Issues

I’ve often tried to explain to a friend, family member or co-worker why I can’t do all the things I used to do – all the things that most normal healthy people can do.  I probably try too hard to explain that actually, most of them are a pretty understanding bunch. 

I, like many others, have what I call an “Invisible Disease” which in turn causes all kinds of “invisible resistance” that healthy people normally do not experience. 

For me this invisible illness takes the form of depression and severe OCD. For others it could be any number of things – from the mental ( as I have mentioned) to the physical ( Multiple Sclerosis, Lyme Disease etc..) to the emotional ( i.e. having experienced severe abuse) and even to the spiritual ( As a Christian I believe in such a thing as spiritual warfare – good vs evil, a real and powerful spiritual enemy of humanity…). For people suffering with these things, it is not time that they do not have enough of ,  it is energy -  Physical, psychological or otherwise.

As I said at the outset of the blog, I’ve often tried to explain the invisible, not always with success. Not long ago I came across a brilliant illustration by Christine Miserandino on her blog “butyoudontlooksick.com” . She refers to this illustration as  “The Spoon Theory”. She writes

" As I went to take some of my medicine with a snack as I usually did, she (her roommate)  watched me with an awkward kind of stare, instead of continuing the conversation. She then asked me out of the blue what it felt like to have Lupus and be sick…. I started to ramble on about pills, and aches and pains, but she kept pursuing, and didn’t seem satisfied with my answers. I was a little surprised as being my roommate in college and friend for years; I thought she already knew the medical definition of Lupus. Then she looked at me with a face every sick person knows well, the face of pure curiosity about something no one healthy can truly understand. She asked what it felt like, not physically, but what it felt like to be me, to be sick.”

You can read more of the illustration she ended up giving here: The Spoon Theory

While I found the Spoon Theory to be excellent I’ve wondered about other illustrations – especially ones that may be more directed to men.  I have one here that I would like to share with you – it centres on the world of sports and athletics and  I think I will call it ‘The Invisible Resistance Theory” … or something like that.

In athletic training there is a growing use of ”resistance”  tools that provide additional resistance to or force against  the athlete in training. Some of these tools include speed parachutes (which you’ve probably seen on Nike and Reebok commercials)  and weighted clothing  from vests and backpacks to ankle and wrist weights.

In regards to “speed” or “running”  chutes , The Runner’s Guide describes them as such: 

“The excess fabric billowing behind the runner creates drag which makes the runner have to work harder to overcome this drag. This helps the runner to improve both his speed and his strength because the muscles are working hard to negate the resistance associated with the use of the running parachute.”

And howstuffworks.com adds:

“Speed chutes also afford runners a psychological edge. It's this extra mental resilience that shows when other runners tire out. When the winds gust against you while attacking the last big hill of the race, it's wind-resistance training like this that provides an extra edge.”

Wikipedia reports this about weighted clothing:

“Research demonstrates that using an overload during sprinting or speed drills requires lower-body muscles to generate more force against the ground which could lead to gains in strength and power and ultimately faster acceleration during running.

…..A standard form of military and fire fighter training is not only be able to carry a backpack, but to march and run with one loaded down with a concrete "marble". Part of SWAT training is to be able to do pull-ups wearing a heavy pack.”

So we can fairly easily grasp this concept of training and why it would prove beneficial in the official “race” or “game” when we are not held back by the extra resistance. That training now enables the athlete to  become faster, stronger,  more explosive and even more mentally strong.

But imagine this. It is the official sporting event but one of the athletes is forced to wear all of his resistance training tools.  He has a speed chute doing its best to create drag and his weighted clothing enhancing the power of gravity on his body.  If this athlete equalled the performance of his peer who had no resistance tools than we would say – “Amazing, that guy has overcome so many disadvantages and still performs so well”.  Even if the first athlete did not perform well we would all readily understand why and come to his defence as well as patting him on the back for the valiant effort.

But in order for this illustration to really work we must imagine one more thing – all of the resistance tools attached to this athlete are, in fact, invisible. They cannot, or will not, be seen by the crowd or his fellow athletes or even the officials of the competition.  He is not recognized for the extra effort he had to put in due to the disadvantages of the resistance tools and he receives no compassionate pat on the back. It is instead assumed that he is weak, lazy or maybe just a coward.

As the philosopher Albert Camus once wrote , “ Nobody realizes that some people expend tremendous energy merely to be normal.”

For someone who is relatively healthy and has never had a significant experience with this metaphorical  type of “invisible resistance” it can be very difficult to understand why another person seems so apparently “weak’ or “lazy” or “afraid”. For that matter, someone who has experienced one of these types of invisible resistance may find it hard to comprehend someone who is experiencing another kind.

It is so easy to judge; so inconvenient to take the time to educate ourselves on a given matter. But as one of the biblical proverbs reminds us:  “He who answers a matter before he hears it,
It is folly and shame to him.” Proverbs 18:13

While some things can never be fully understood until we, or someone we love, goes through it personally, there are still ways to learn and react in a positive way. Taking the time to educate ourselves on the topic at hand, to read or listen to firsthand accounts of people who have dealt with the issue  - or even simply to hold our tongue for the time being and to always remember to be compassionate. 

In this particular illustration, let’s ask ourselves “Why did that athlete perform so poorly compared to the others?” “Was there something bothering him or holding him back that we may not be aware of?” 

In real life – let’s take the time to find out before we judge.  Let’s take the time to find out so that we may instil confidence and encourage the athlete for his valiant effort.