Embracing a Better Wisdom

Scripture – James 3:13-18: ¹³Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. ¹⁴But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. ¹⁵Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. ¹⁶For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. ¹⁷But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. ¹⁸Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) This is a bit of a change for James. He moves from his focus on external behavior to inner attitudes. He directs me first off to aim for “the wisdom that comes from heaven.” That’s my on-going journey – to develop and/or embrace that kind of wisdom. Part of that journey takes me into my heart. Whatever I find there I’m instructed, “do not boast about it or deny the truth.” The pieces of “earthly” wisdom I find there are not to be ignored. They are to be lifted up to the transforming presence of Christ and offered to Him as a continuing sacrifice. He will effect the changes that are best for me.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will take a close look at my heart. I will identify one attitude I have been harboring that is holding me back. I will give it over to Christ and let Him do His re-creating work in me.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord Jesus, thank you so much for your on-going interaction in my life. Thank you for the re-creating work you have done and are doing. Let my life today reflect your wisdom. Help me let go of something that holds me back. Set me free to live more fully for you.