Readings for today: James 1-5
It’s been observed by many in our world today that we are inundated with knowledge. We have more information at our fingertips than ever before. There is more news in one edition of the New York Times than a person might have learned over a lifetime a hundred years ago. The news cycle is 24/7. The alerts to our phones come day and night. Twitter and other social media feeds keep us up to date on the latest stories. And yet, we seem more foolish than ever. We seem more ideologically driven than ever. We seem more partisan than ever. More outraged. More angry. More hateful. Obviously, more knowledge isn’t the answer.
What we need is wisdom. Wisdom helps us understand what to do with all the knowledge we have gained. It guides us as we seek to apply that knowledge to life’s challenges. It keeps us honest, forcing us to grapple with our blind spots and weaknesses. It prevents us from becoming puffed up with pride and arrogantly assuming we have all the answers. Wisdom is the key to living well in this world. And thankfully, the Book of James teaches us all we need to know about how to gain wisdom. Listen to his words again…
“Who among you is wise and understanding? By his good conduct he should show that his works are done in the gentleness that comes from wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your heart, don’t boast and deny the truth. Such wisdom does not come down from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there is disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without pretense. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who cultivate peace.” (James 3:13-18 CSB)
Real wisdom begins with a holy life. A life humbly submitted to God. A life lived in obedience to Him. A life characterized by love and grace and mercy and peace. It is a life marked by gentleness and dignity and respect and honor. It is a life that is focused on the good of others rather than the good of oneself. This is how God defines wisdom and this is how God also models wisdom Himself. Does He not offer us love and grace and mercy and peace? Does He not treat us with gentleness and dignity and respect and honor? Is He not focused on our good rather than His own? He is all these things and more which is what makes Him the “only wise God” as the great hymn once put it. And those who seek wisdom in this world will only find it as they seek to follow Him.
Readings for tomorrow: Galatians 1-3