Remembered for Good: The People of GodSample

The Delicate Balance of Wisdom and Innocence

Have you ever pondered the delicate balance between being informed and preserving innocence? As we continue our journey through Romans 16, Paul’s words in verse 19 offer a fresh perspective, especially after our previous exploration on discernment. He commends the Romans, noting, “The report of your obedience has reached everyone.” Their steadfastness is admirable, but Paul’s guidance goes deeper. He advises, “Be wise about what is good, yet innocent about what is evil.”

This balance is crucial in today’s age where information is at our fingertips. While our previous devotional emphasized the importance of discernment in a world rife with division, Paul now introduces another layer: the value of innocence. His recommendation is not about being naive but about consciously choosing what to let into our hearts and minds.

Consider the younger generation, exposed prematurely to the complexities of the world. Youth face challenges that many of us might not have encountered at their age. Paul’s counsel serves as a timely reminder for them and for all of us: to seek wisdom actively and to protect our innocence from unnecessary evils.

Consider a simple scenario: an older couple at a restaurant. The husband, glancing at the menu, commented, “This seems like a new menu.” Confident in her memory, his wife responded, “It’s the same menu we’ve seen before.” Hoping to settle the matter, the husband inquired with the waiter, who tactfully mentioned a few new additions. This seemingly insignificant exchange mirrors our daily interactions. Just as the couple got momentarily sidetracked by a minor detail, we too can become consumed by trivialities, losing sight of the broader spiritual journey Paul urges us to embark on. Our challenge is to rise above these minor distractions, focusing on wisdom, innocence, and the overarching message of unity in our faith. Paul’s message is a call to action: to prioritize wisdom, guard our innocence, and remember the bigger picture.

Let’s challenge ourselves to integrate both discernment and innocence into our lives. Are we making conscious choices about the information we consume? Are we fostering unity and understanding in our communities? Paul’s assurance is clear: when we walk this path, “the God of peace will soon crush Satan underneath your feet.”

Let’s embrace Paul’s wisdom, ensuring we’re not just discerning but also cherishing our innocence. Let’s pave the way for a spiritual journey that’s both informed and pure, grounded in unity and the teachings of Jesus.