Wisdom From Above – Part 1

James 3:13-18 “Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”

Pastor Kyle continuing through the book of James, tells us that we may have a big job that has stressful moments, but we like them. Things may good on the outside but not on the inside. Problems start at the top and trickle down: nothing sinful or illegal, but have inter-functional problems and dramas, such as office-chatter and gossip, bringing down the situation. How we handle it is all wrong. We can have the right assessment of the issue, but can handle it all wrong. God is working within it and people are being blessed in ministry when we do the job that we were hired to do and let God handle the side-issues. Wisdom is not the same thing as knowledge. Wisdom is knowing what to do and how to respond with the knowledge we already have.

1 Corinthians 13:2 And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

99% of the Bible tells us what to do. Wisdom starts with a heartfelt desire to be righteous more than to be right. Wisdom is demonstrated through our actions. It’s not what we say, but what we do.  When we are wrong, we need to own it, apologize for it and move on. Wisdom comes from God and gives it generously. False wisdom pretends to be wise. We can: (1) quote Bible verses to impress others instead of transform them, (2) use our tone of voice to convince others, or (3) don’t truly commit to pray for people. Passive meekness is not weakness either. Wisdom is meekness, which is strength under control. Don’t express unless required or responding. We need to ask God for capacities we do not have. In positions of great tension, pray for the capacity to handle the issue or situation wisely.

We shall read what Pastor Kyle has to say in the conclusion of his sermon on “wisdom from above” tomorrow.

In Christ, Brian