Dec 14 2024

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

In this verse in James, we learn about the type of wisdom that is from Heaven. There is a stark contrast between the wisdom of Heaven and the wisdom of the world. Heavenly wisdom is pure, peaceable, gentle, willing to hear other opinions and perspectives, merciful, and honest. As Christians, we all have access to wisdom from the Lord, which He gives us as a gift when we ask. Let's break down the characteristics of heavenly wisdom.

It begins with purity coming from a heart that is undivided. Pure wisdom has a single aim: to serve and honor the Lord in every possible way. People with this kind of wisdom are not worried about being first in line or getting the best of anything. Instead, their primary concern is to bring honor to the Lord. Their hearts are focused on Jesus, so everything else falls into place.

Heavenly wisdom is also an instrument of peace and gentleness. It seeks unity above division, knowing that people are always more valuable than ideologies or arguments. Because of the high value that it places on gentleness, heavenly wisdom will not be caught up in emotions that lead to anger or harsh words. Instead, it will be temperate and kind in all circumstances. This type of wisdom will not hold back on mercy or the good fruits of the spirit, and it will be open to hearing new perspectives and ideas. It will not have favorites, and it will not speak words that differ from actions.

If this seems overwhelming or impossible, don't worry. It IS impossible for us to embody heavenly wisdom ourselves without God. But we needn't fret about it since God lives within us, and He, the source of all wisdom, will help us to grow and become more and more the embodiment of heavenly wisdom. God has not set before us goals only to watch us fail, but instead to encourage us to cling to Him as we become more and more like Him with each passing day.

Dear Lord, thank you so much for heavenly wisdom. Help me to embody that wisdom every day so I can become more and more like you. I want to be wise, as James instructs us, and I know that I cannot do that without your help. I thank you, God, that you will help me. In Jesus' name, amen.

Dec 13 2024

Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. :

In this verse, Paul tells the church in Colossae how to respond to people who do not have a relationship with Jesus. They are to walk wisely, redeeming the time, meaning they should make the most of the time they have with non-believers to encourage them to consider turning their lives to Christ. This verse applies to our modern-day lives in a number of ways.

For instance, one aspect of walking wisely amidst people who don't yet acknowledge Jesus as God is to be holy in those interactions. In other words, we should never condescend or act like we are superior to them because we don't fall into some of the sins that they do. When we remember that we are who we are only because of the grace of God—rather than anything we have done—we will be saved from having an arrogant attitude toward other people. We will be able to see others exactly as we are: unmerited beneficiaries of God's grace.

We should remember that our lives are a witness to the power of God. Every person who has a relationship with the Lord is a miracle because none of us is naturally wired to surrender our lives to Jesus. It is the work of the Holy Spirit in us, and the way we treat other people shows what we believe about God. If we are repeatedly unkind or disdainful, we are conveying a belief that God has favorites—that He loves us and cares about some people more than others, which is not true.

But if we are consistently kind, eager to show mercy, and willing to love even when it is difficult, we are showing Godliness—because those qualities define Him. In this way, our daily errands or whatever menial tasks we do become opportunities for us to walk in the wisdom of the Lord.

Dear Lord, help me to walk in wisdom throughout all of my encounters. Help me to remember that where I am in my relationship with you is the result of your grace alone. Help me to follow after you as I pursue relationships and seek to redeem my time by seeking out opportunities to further your kingdom. I love you, Jesus. In your name, amen.