We get concerned when we’re lacking reception from a cell tower. We grow frustrated when the wi-fi is spotty. But take a moment to meditate on the incredible blessing and potential of “wisdom from above.”
The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. (James 3:17)
James has just drawn his readers’ attention to the ugliness of bitter jealousy and selfish ambition–the rotten fruit of hearts that march to the drumbeat of “wisdom” which is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic. “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice” (3:14-16).
But the wisdom from above…
Pure. Peaceable. Gentle. Open to reason. Merciful. Full of good fruits. Impartial. Sincere.
By my “conduct” (3:13)–my attitudes and actions, my posts and pictures, my interactions and reactions–word by word, choice by choice, day by day, my conduct will ultimately reveal my roots and the source from which I’m drawing nourishment, meaning, and purpose. Is it unspiritual or in step with the Spirit? Demonic or Christlike? Earthly or from above? To whom am I listening? With what am I filling my heart? On what am I setting my mind?
Who is wise and understanding among you? (3:13)
By our conduct–good or bad–each one of us is providing a very real, very personal answer to that 2,000-year-old question.
Let’s live like children borne of wisdom from above today.