The word “longitudinal” refers to something that takes place over time. The wisdom of God has a longitudinal element. It’s a template the Lord asks us to lay over our lives to help us navigate life. It shows us how to live in a world where mixed opinions abound, leaving people struggling to find the truth. Whatever does not fit within that template of God’s wisdom should be discarded because it will never lead us to truth or allow us to experience His peace.

We are the ones who must choose to place ourselves within God’s template of longitudinal wisdom. That choice is an exercise of our will. Without making that choice, internal and external struggles we cannot imagine will visit our lives. God’s template will keep us safe from deception and the reproduction of its offspring.

God’s wisdom is always perfect, even when we may not understand the fullness of its revelation. Following God’s truth will affect all areas of our lives. It defines who we can trust, who is wise among us, how we can receive and interpret real joy, and how we can live a life of spiritual clarity.

“The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living” (Psalms 19: 7-8).

God’s template of wisdom is longitudinal across history. It covers each epoch of human existence. It’s never adjusted by the whims of people. It is an otherworldly expression of truth brought from eternity and placed upon each season of human history. 

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts” (Isaiah 55:8-9).

We honor God’s word not just because it’s true and right. It’s an expression of His heart. Following God’s truth as expressed in His word will keep our faith secure and free us from well-crafted forms of deception. 

Placing ourselves under God’s longitudinal template of truth is for our protection. We can trust the Lord to keep us safe when the world continually spins out of control and offers us nothing that can create internal stability in our lives.

“The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever” (Isaiah 40:8).