Hall of Fame pitcher Tom Glavine was asked about his “Welcome to the Big Leagues” moment. He didn’t even have to think about it. Glavine told this story:

“During one of my early spring training games, I was facing Yankees star Don Mattingly. It was a 3 and 2 count, and I remember standing on the mound thinking ‘I’m just going to throw this guy a fastball and see how good he really is.’ Mattingly hit a homerun into the right field bleachers.”

I love that story because it perfectly illustrates a key principle on the path toward maturity. The difference between the rashness of youth and the understanding that comes with a little bit of “life experience” is something the Bible calls “wisdom.” A good working definition of wisdom? “The ability to live life skillfully .”

The Scriptures are full of admonition to pursue wisdom. In one of my favorite verses, Proverbs 8:11 reminds us:

“For wisdom is better than jewels; and all desirable things cannot compare with her.”

You know, no matter how you define “The Big Leagues” in your job or profession, there’s a reason why the people who are already there are successful. Instead of testing them, a better course of action would be to respect and learn from them. In the process of doing so, you’ll be adding “wisdom” to your  career and your life.