We don’t always have the luxury of having intentional teachers in every area of life. And it’s tempting to assume we just miss out on learning these particular lessons. But there’s a way that life works, and, if we’re willing, we can learn universal principles from others that we can then apply to areas in which we lack.
For instance, many young guys rightly lament having few, if any, relational role models. As a result, they might fear commitment or perhaps even struggle to know how to embody commitment in their relationships. And, to be sure, living out relational commitment would be easier with a few living examples to emulate.
But the beauty of wisdom is that her principles are found everywhere and they’re consistent. And this means the value of commitment is not limited to the domain of relationships alone. To succeed in business, on the ball field, on a stage, or the like, levels of commitment are required. In fact, whoever is at the top of his game got there in part through the discipline of commitment – his willingness to keep showing up even when he didn’t feel like it. And we can learn lessons from them and apply to other domains, such as in our relationships.
Of course, discernment is needed, and learning the value of commitment from someone doesn’t mean the rest of his life is worthy to emulate. He might actually provide a poor example for relationships otherwise. But we didn’t come to him for relationship advice. We came to learn the value of committing to something for better or worse. As such, we can then take this universal principle to apply to our own relationships.
And this is how we continue to grow in wisdom throughout our life. We rob ourselves of many lessons when we don’t have the eyes to see God’s truth wherever it’s found.
In the end, seek wisdom wherever it can be found. Unlikely sources might give you clues to universal principles you can readily apply throughout your life and relationships.
Photo by Maksym Zakharyak on Unsplash
