May 1, 2018
James 3:17-18 New Living Translation (NLT)
Wisdom is revealed by the depth of a person’s Christ-like character. If we are operating in true wisdom, we are sincere and our lives demonstrate integrity or wholeness; our actions accurately reflect what is on the inside. If we have wisdom operating on the inside it will be confirmed by our actions; it will be a place of shalom or peace between our heart and our actions. It will be a posture of sincerity.
A true apple tree produces apples; not oranges. The tree could believe and declare its identity as an apple tree all day long, but if the fruit it bears are oranges it is not an apple tree. A tree of wisdom in a person’s life will produce the character of Christ who was led by the Spirit. God has made Christ to be wisdom itself for our benefit. Therefore, the spiritual fruit we bear should be love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
If we are bearing the fruit of anger, bitterness, worry, unforgiveness—essentially unbelief in God’s power to deliver us from such things in our actions—we are not representing Christ in integrity. We are not operating in wisdom. We can call ourselves Christians all day long, but the fruit will reveal the truth. So, we must stay in the Word of God and allow the Spirit to help us bear good fruit, righteous fruit, and much of it. May our Heavenly Father have mercy on us and the Holy Spirit help us to embrace Christ—Wisdom—for the glory of God.
James 3:17-18
17 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. 18 And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.
Prayer: Lord, my love for you should cause me to grow and develop in my relational connection with you and in wisdom to please you with my life—how I represent Christ in the world. I need your help, Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name. Amen.