Wisdom

James 3:13-17

“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.”

These verses are packed with conviction and encouragement; funny how those two so often go hand in hand. Wisdom and meekness cannot be separated, the perfect example of this is found in Jesus. Jesus had all the wisdom, and yet it didn’t puff Him up or cause Him to have any pride in Himself. Philippians 2:6-8 sums this up perfectly. It says: “…Who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.”  Through Christ, our eyes have been opened to the truth of who we are and who Christ is. Therefore, believers should not be known as bitterly envious, self-seeking, or boastful liars. Verse fifteen describes these actions as earthly, sensual, and demonic. When Christians allow their flesh to rule their lives, confusion and evil abound. This is seen so clearly when churches are divided based on non-essential doctrinal issues. I am so thankful that “where sin abounded, grace abounded much more (Romans 5:20)!’’ When we live a surrendered life, Christ is able to transform our minds and change our earthly wisdom to His wisdom.