Wisdom from Above

James 3: 17-18

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.

 

It occurs to me that if any wisdom that I think I have is missing any of these traits then it is not wisdom from above. Perhaps that is the crux of the problem. I am too infected, infested, and influenced with the wisdom of this world. Perhaps even common sense is uncommon in the realm of the spiritual.

 

Earlier in this passage, it says that wisdom and understanding are a reality if good conduct is demonstrated through works done with meekness. If bitter jealousy or selfish ambition are a reality, then this would not be the wisdom from above. In fact, wisdom such as this, is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic and results in disorder and every vile practice. Now that is pretty black and white. What this passage calls for is total honesty! Not lying about myself or playing mind games with myself to make myself feel better.

 

What is distinctive about this issue is that there seems to be no middle ground. I am either pure, peaceable, reasonable, merciful, fruitful, impartial and sincere or I am bitterly jealous, selfishly ambitious, disorderly, and vile. Obviously, living by grace and in the power of the Holy Spirit would have it no other way! I think it must be more worldly influences that have altered my way of thinking convincing me that if I am better than most worldly people and close to the spiritual people, then I will be alright. But according to this, Not so!! If I want a harvest of righteousness, then all these traits must be a reality. I need to sow purity, gentleness, reasonableness, mercifulness, fruitfulness, impartiality, and sincerity in peace. I must be a peacemaker! Not a doormat, but a peacemaker!

 

Father,

I have prayed these traits many times, and I am asking You again to draw me to Yourself. Teach me how to live in the power of the Spirit and to be a peacemaker who has wisdom from above. This is my heart's desire.

In the name of the Son,

Amen