Easter is an international holiday that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the cross. It is a day for those who believe in the significance of this Christian event to honor this sacrifice and contemplate the beauty and meaning of new beginnings. It is a day to reflect on the contributions and efforts of those that came before us, focusing on gratitude for all that we have been given as the radiance of spring unfolds.
In honor of this holiday, we would like to highlight the work of one of our authors, Living Wisdom – Principles of a Life Well Lived, by Reverend Chad Fernald. His book explores the concept of Living Wisdom, which he defines as that which is contained in the books Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon. These books offer a framework for interacting with the world and for conducting life in accordance with the principles of wisdom literature.
Living Wisdom recognizes the source of all wisdom as YAHWEH, the One True God. Each chapter considers different arenas related to implementing these principles in all areas of life, from ourselves, to our homes, to our communities, and discusses the spiritual elements and methods of applying proverbs to modern life as it is today.
The book urges followers of Christ to maintain self-reflection as they enforce the principles of Living Wisdom in their lives, pushing readers to deeply ponder and fully confront life’s challenges. Readers are encouraged to intentionally contemplate proverbs to address seemingly contradictory or confusing statements found in wisdom, rather than simply accepting the whole as messy. Living Wisdom believes that this is part of the true work of Christians, to find a way to actively apply these principles written thousands of years ago to today’s world. Reverend Fernald posits that these principles may be even more relevant and necessary today than they were back when they were written.
Reverend Fernald also analyzes factors, both internal and external, that keep us from walking straight on the path of God. Internally, our emotions and flaws, such traits as pride, hypocrisy, and self-inflicted suffering, can cloud our judgement. Outwardly, we face stress and daily temptations, resulting in behaviors that fly outside the principles of a life devoted to Christ. Reverend Fernald addresses these daily challenges and points to the Word of God to lead the way in illuminating and choosing right actions to help guide you toward living the wisdom ideal of good character.
Another arena Reverend Fernald urges readers to concentrate on Living Wisdom is the home. The home is where the sacred bond of marriage can face challenges of conflict, and Living Wisdom urges cooperation, providing the tools needed to work together as partners. Additionally, the both exhausting and rewarding nature of parenting involves the dilemmas of discipline in today’s critical world, and the importance of modeling trust in God as an influential factor in guiding children to stay faithful to God throughout their lives.
In the community, wisdom highlights the importance of leadership that practices benevolent and faithful character, encouraging leaders to employ fairness, embody righteousness, and guide the growth of followers. Living Wisdom urges Christians to follow God’s principles in the workplace as an employer or employee, embodying devotion, integrity, and benevolence in our commitments and how we treat others. This contributes to bringing God’s light into the community.
Living Wisdom proposes five truths that serve as a guide for practicing wisdom and faithfully growing before God. Reverend Fernald discusses each of these steps: Learn and Remember Truth, Internalize and Practice Truth, Speak What Suits the Truth, See What Honors Truth, and Measure Your Life According to the Truth. As Christians practice these truths in earnest and seek wisdom, they will naturally experience individual growth, leading them to display humility, remain guarded against sin, seek justice, and exhibit devotion, characteristics of a life lived in accordance with principles of Living Wisdom.
Reverend Fernald lives in the Tampa Bay area. He began his ministry in 1999, and is a founding minister/lead elder of Community Faith Network, a house church ministry. He is an ordained minister of the Advent Christian Association. He received his bachelor’s degree in history from Gordon College in 1995, and a Masters of Divinity from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary in 2001.
If you’d like to read Living Wisdom – Principles of a Life Well Lived, you can buy it here.
Happy Easter from Richter Publishing!
Richter Publishing 