Knowledge and Wisdom

My name is Grace Magavern and I am a sophomore at Trinity University. 

Reverend Escamilla spoke today of the difference between knowledge and wisdom, and I can see those differences clearly in my life right now.

As a STEM student at Trinity, I am acquiring a lot of knowledge daily. My role as a student is to learn all that I need- to go out into the world and pursue the vocation that calls me. But knowledge alone is not enough- we need more to thrive.

Wisdom was here from the very beginning. In the lesser-known creation story in Proverbs 8:22, wisdom says “the Lord created me at the beginning of his work, the first of his acts of long ago. Ages ago I was set up, at the first, before the beginning of the earth.” Proverbs 8 continues on to say that those who hear and heed instruction are happy and wise. Similarly, John 1:1 also has a creation story. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

If wisdom was here before creation and the Word was as well, then surely they are the same. With that reasoning, to pursue wisdom is to follow the Word. To have wisdom is to recognize that you need a faith community with which to follow and practice the Word.

I grew up in the Methodist Church of my hometown and I know how important a faith community is. Now, as a student entering a new chapter in life, Laurel Heights is the next step in my faith journey.

Wisdom is an invitation. God has given us a choice to be a part of His design, laid out with creation. You, Laurel Heights, are wise. You have invited students to be a part of what God is doing here. God has provided and you are now sharing those blessings with us.  

You have been so welcoming to me and it has been a joy to recognize more and more faces each week. I truly have found a home here and I am so happy that more students are finding their way here. I thank you for the wonderful opportunities you have given us and I look forward to continuing to grow in faith with you.