HEAVENLY WISDOM

James 3:13-14

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter enuy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth.

James 3:13-14, NIV

There is a significant difference between true wisdom and false wisdom, between wisdom from above and the wisdom of the world. The world too often equates wisdom with knowledge while godly wisdom comes from above as the Spirit of God directs the steps of our feet and guides us in His actions and attitude.

Wisdom does not depend on how much knowledge we manage to acquire, but on how we conduct ourselves in everyday life. Godly wisdom is exhibited in the way that we apply all that we have learned from the Word of God in our everyday life, and in the decisions and choices we make. When James asked this rhetorical question, he was not expecting any answer, but giving emphasis to the radical differences between wisdom that is given from above and the sort of wisdom that has its roots in all that is earthly, fleshly, worldly, and false.

Envy and strife, together with boasting and deceit, are some of the hallmarks of worldly wisdom. However, the fruit of the Spirit is evidenced in the wisdom that comes from above, where purity and peace join together in perfect union and Heavenly Wisdom where meekness and mercy embrace one another. Graciousness and goodness join together with sincerity and truth, which are recognizable garments, and the garments of sincerity and truth, righteousness and grace are only worn by the one who is the benefactor of Christlike wisdom from above.

May this important question be asked of all who are saved by grace through faith in Christ. In God's grace we reflect the beauty and wisdom of the Lord Jesus, both by our good behavior and through the gentleness of spirit, which alone comes from the Lord Himself. So let us remember today, godly wisdom is not about flaunting knowledge but about living a godly life!!!

Father, thank You for this day and thank You that in Christ we have a living example of what a life that is walking in spirit and truth should be. Lord, let Your abundant blessings flow over us and our family today. Lord, may we die to self and live to Christ, so we may say the life that we now live in the flesh is not us but Christ living in us. Lord, please protect us from arrogance and feelings of superiority, and gently humble us in the ways that make us a more useful tool in Your hands. Lord, use us to share the care that You have lavished on us with the people who most need it today.

Father, we love You. Amen.