Core Value 4: Be sought for wisdom/earn the respect of people

Each of My Core Values has a subtitle that describes a litmus test by which I can determine success or failure in that area of life. For this one, it is:

Fear the Lord and study so that people trust my expertise and motivation; think, act, and reason in an orthodox way.

This Core Value is almost set in three stages. First, it is to get wisdom. Second, it is to earn respect. Third, it is to be available. Because it is in stages, it also is a longterm core value. While all of my core values are meant to take a lifetime to satisfy and are meant to be longterm enough so that there is always more available to do, while allowing for success at  various levels/degrees of ‘the path’… this one is different because I could succeed in one or two stages, but fail in the remaining and thereby fail overall. If I am available and have respect, but no true wisdom, I fail. If I have wisdom and respect, but do not make myself available, I fail. If I am available and have wisdom, but no respect, I fail.

Thankfully, “The Lord gives wisdom” (Proverbs 2) and he does so “generously to all [who ask] without reproach” (James 1). It seems that wisdom is truly available as long as I would desire it. So, I pray that I would desire it because it is “much better to get wisdom than gold.” (Proverbs 16)

Respect. “The words of a wise man’s mouth earn him favor.” (Ecclesiastes 10) Honor is in Wisdom’s left hand and “the wise will inherit honor” (Proverbs 3). “Humility come before honor” (Proverbs 18) and “he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor” Proverbs 29). In fact, “whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find love, righteousness, and honor” (Proverbs 21) and “the reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches, honor, and life” (Proverbs 22). Conclusively, respect will come as I humbly accrue and exercise wisdom with humility within a particular setting.

Being available however must be a conscience choice and is a commitment reflected in how I chose to make a schedule. Additionally, it is an aspect of humility and honoring others.