There’s a story from when the Titanic was going down. A wealthy woman from first class was fortunate enough to be put into one of the lifeboats.

Just before she got in she ran back to her room to grab something. She ran PAST her expensive jewelry and grabbed three oranges instead.

But why? Because in that moment the oranges were more valuable than jewelry. They could help her physically survive in a way that her jewelry could not.

There are moments in life when things we thought had value no longer have value. And there are moments in life when things we didn’t think had value now have value.

You see, a lot of people know the value of things; but not a lot of people know the actual value of things. Knowing that difference, and living that difference, makes all the difference.

In a world of temporary trinkets and rusting trophies, true and lasting value is found in the wisdom of God: “Instruction from your lips is better for me than thousands of gold and silver pieces” (Psalm 119:72 CSB).

In a world where a lot of people know the value of things, but where not a lot of people know the actual value of things, be someone who knows the difference, and who lives the difference, in a way that makes all the difference.

Seek God’s wisdom. Make time for it. Take it seriously. Fall in love with it. Mine its depths. Act on it.

Since God’s wisdom never rusts, spoils or sinks, neither will you.

By Matthew Ruttan 

–This Sunday (November 22, 2020) I’m preaching about patience in suffering as we look in-depth at James 5:1-12. You can follow along here at 10:01 EST on Sunday morning.