Wisdom

DEVOTION
JAMES
WISDOM
James 3:17-18
17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
NIV
This is the type of wisdom I desire. What good is knowing all about the ways of the world if my soul is doomed to perish? What else other than pure, clean, perfect could the wisdom from heaven be? If I read this correctly not only should I desire this wisdom, but I should have this wisdom because God gives it generously to anyone who asks, as I saw in the very beginning of this letter. So here is how I should be responding to having this wisdom. Not as the world understands wisdom, but as God has and gives. My thoughts must be pure, not tainted by the world. The wisdom I have should be peace-loving or having the effect of lessening conflicts upon people, certainly not adding to or creating conflict. This is a long list of qualities which need much attention. If I have this heavenly wisdom I also should be considerate or others, not demanding my way all the time, or maybe even anytime. That is difficult to say the least, but I do think I may be more like that than I think. I go alone, I serve, I give up my way for the sake of someone else most of the time. But I should all of the time. I should submit to the call of God on my life that is for sure, and in doing that I am submitting myself to the rest of the body of Christ, serving them with the gift God has given to me. I am not too sure about the full of mercy part. That is difficult, but when I think about it, with all my imperfections, who am I not to show mercy to another because of their imperfections. I must be more aware of this. Do I have good fruit? If God has bestowed his wisdom upon me and I am receiving it correctly my fruit, my character, my personality will demonstrate love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness and self-control. Am I impartial? I think I can say I am. I do not think I treat anyone better than another. Yes there are some people I have a difficult time enjoying being around, but I do not think I mistreat them. I have to work on my thinking though. I do think I am sincere in the administration of my calling from God. I do not use his wisdom for any personal gain, or for false pretenses. I am sincere about his word to all I speak with. I live my faith and speak with a sincere heart about God, his ways, and his desires for all of us. Sure I joke around, I have corny jokes, but when it comes to God I do not think I could be more sincere. Yet this list still looms large before me. I have to make sure I am always seeking heavenly wisdom and not get sidetracked to the wisdom of this world, which is useless and produces nothing.