I enjoy my walks each day with our sweet little dog, Gracie. She explores everywhere we go with great tail-wagging passion. Even though I typically walk the same path with her, Gracie acts like there is always something new to smell and discover as we walk.
While I was out walking Sunday evening, I noticed a neighbor sitting outside alone. He was deep in thought as he stared up at a beautiful American flag flying majestically in his yard. As soon as I greeted him, a wonderful conversation about life, moral integrity, and concern for our country ensued. It was a great discovery for me as Gracie and I walked.
In our passage today, James teaches us about God’s wisdom; divine wisdom or applied Truth is essential if, as believers, we are going to manage our lives well. For this reason, Jesus has been made Wisdom for believers. We need godly wisdom for our physical health. We need godly wisdom for our emotional well-being. We need godly wisdom for our spiritual wholeness. The righteous fruit of wisdom which James mentions in our passage today, becomes evidence for the world that we follow Christ.
God does not ask us to agree with the world’s way of doing things; however, he does asks us to live in peace as much as possible while standing on the undefiled character and Cornerstone of Christ. The Apostle James encourages us to differentiate between worldly wisdom and divine wisdom: worldly wisdom is controlling and void of God’s influence whereas divine wisdom is void of evil and focuses solely on the abundant and liberating Life Christ offers.
James 3:17-18 AMP
17 But the wisdom from above is first pure [morally and spiritually undefiled], then peace-loving [courteous, considerate], gentle, reasonable [and willing to listen], full of compassion and good fruits. It is unwavering, without [self-righteous] hypocrisy [and self-serving guile]. 18 And the seed whose fruit is righteousness (spiritual maturity) is sown in peace by those who make peace [by actively encouraging goodwill between individuals].
Prayer: Lord, thank you for helping us ponder your divine wisdom, today. Through the work of the Spirit, please help us hold fast to godly wisdom, so we can produce the righteous fruit that comes with spiritual maturity. In Jesus’ name. Amen.