JAMES 3:17-18: But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace-loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.” NLT

OBSERVATION: I have regular physicals with my physician. Every year I get my eyes tested. Every six months I go to the dentist to get my teeth cleaned. I meet with my financial advisor once or twice a year to review my investment portfolio. Yet I often neglect one area.

I need a wisdom checkup!

James has a lot to say about wisdom. He shares the promise of wisdom with everyone who asks God in sincere faith. Wisdom is something we all know we need, yet how do we know if we are truly walking in God’s wisdom?

We live in a divided and angry world. The vitriol in our daily discourse is off the charts. On cable news, the angrier the pundit, the more popular they are. We love a good ‘zinger’! In our culture, the rise and popularity of the UFC shows how much we enjoy a good fight!

Yet, can we join the crowd, raise our angry fist in the air, and walk in the wisdom of God? Listen to James as he outlines the character qualities of the wisdom of the world.

“For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.” (James 3:15-16 NLT)

I find it significant that James focuses on two things when he speaks about the wisdom of the world. First, it is jealous. It is driven by envy and the lust for power. It will do everything it can to hold on to what it possesses. Second, it is selfish. The focus is never on the needs of others but on how one can get more for themselves. The wisdom of the world lusts for power and is void of any form of true benevolence.

The seriousness of this is found in its source. James is clear: “Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic.” Jealousy and selfishness originate from the pit of hell. These are qualities that have destroyed individuals, families, and even entire nations. When we entertain the world’s wisdom, we play with fire and will always get burned!

Contrast: the wisdom of God. As I place myself on the examination table, I need to check my heart to see if the qualities of wisdom are present and growing. The Wisdom of God is…

• Pure: The Greek word used is ‘hagnos’ which comes from the root ‘hagios’. It is the word that is translated as ‘holy’ and is the very characteristic of God Himself. This wisdom is the very heart and nature of our Creator. It is without blemish or ulterior motive, and is not defiled by my sin.

• Peace-loving…gentle at all times: Rather than looking for a fight, God’s wisdom always desires to bring peace. There is no guarantee that others will receive this peace. Jesus came to bring His perfect peace, and they crucified Him on a cross. Yet, even when he was reviled, He did not resort to angry responses. He was gentle at all times. One of His last words was, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

• Willing to yield to others…shows no favoritism and is always sincere: This is the one that really grabbed my heart. It revealed a ‘wisdom deficiency’ in my life. Am I willing to yield to others? Do I show favoritism to those who agree with me? Am I always sincere in my motives? I confess, I have suffered from the familiar malady – ‘Getting the last word!‘ If I am secure in what I believe, then I will approach those who disagree with me with deference, respect, and sincerity. I will not simply let them speak. I will truly listen to their heart!

• Full of mercy and good deeds…planting seeds of peace for a harvest of righteousness: Jesus loved everyone he encountered, even the Pharisees! When He washed the disciples’ feet, He even washed Judas’ feet, right before Judas betrayed Him. Jesus is the epitome of mercy and good deeds. Yet, they were not without purpose. Jesus was planting seeds of peace for a harvest of righteousness. Not all the seeds would root and take hold, but all were sown with the same heart of grace, mercy, and love! I need to do the same!

This morning, as I receive the Holy Spirit’s report on the condition of my wisdom, I realize how much work my heart needs. My heart needs an infusion of God’s wisdom, the wisdom from above. Most of all, I need to learn to emulate the life of Jesus. When I walk in Jesus’ steps, I walk in the wisdom of God. The wonderful promise is that this is not something we are called to do on our own. We have a helper, a guide, a comforter, a teacher, and a corrector.

“For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.” (2 Corinthians 3:17-18 NLT)

The result of my checkup: I need the Holy Spirit’s work in my life! I need the wisdom of God!

Heavenly Father, this morning I yield my life to You. Holy Spirit, work in my heart. Transform me into the glorious image of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Jesus, cleanse me from all jealousy and selfishness. Help me to walk in Jesus’ steps and sow the seeds of peace in the lives that I encounter. Lead me in the wisdom from above, the Wisdom of God!

In Jesus’ Name!