Wisdom from Heaven
“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.” James 3:17
The internet is amazing, isn’t it? We are the most knowledgeable generation in history thanks to the sheer amount of information at our fingertips. And while there is a lot of good to be found there, it doesn’t compare to the wisdom that can be found from our faith.
So much of the “wisdom” we find in our world is really opposing to our faith. And if we spend more time following influencers than being influenced by the Word of God, we will find ourselves run ragged, anxious, angry, and self-focused.
It can feel intimidating to look to God for wisdom instead of the world. Some of you may be thinking “Okay, sure, God’s wisdom sounds good, but how am I supposed to ask for that? What does it look like to actually live with wisdom from Heaven?”
James 1:5-8 says ““If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord. He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”
Thanks to Jesus, we can ask God to give us wisdom, and He is faithful and kind enough to deliver! And as we seek God through prayer, scripture, and community, we will gain wisdom and see our hearts changed to be less like the world and more like him.
With Jesus’s help…
- Instead of making a name for yourself at the expense of all else, you can grow in obedience to God.
- Instead of seeking to fight, you can seek peace and reconciliation.
- Instead of putting your needs before others, you can be considerate and serve.
- Instead of holding a grudge, you can show mercy.
- Instead of fulfilling the desires of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21), you can walk by the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5: 22-25).
Lord, we love you, and we need your wisdom so much more than we need what the world is trying to tell us. Please give us a heart to love your Word and seek you above all us. Give us the wisdom to live godly lives and share your love with others. In Jesus’s name, Amen.