DEVOTION – DAY 251

James 3:17-18 “Showing Godly Wisdom”

 

James 3:17-18 “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. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.”

 

The world we live in is full of people trying to outdo each other in order to get ahead in the rat race of life. There is envy and selfish ambition and the world encourages the behavior that in order to get to the top, one has to step over others and be aggressive. The apostle James called such thinking, worldly wisdom. In James 3, he contrasted that with Godly wisdom. The point that James wanted to make in the above verses was that if we want to see more righteousness in this world, then, followers of the Lord Jesus must be prepared to start sowing.

 

What does James tell Christians to sow? In vv.17-18, James tells us to follow Jesus’ example. Jesus when He walked the earth displayed consideration for others. He was peace-loving and He was submissive to the Will of God, the Father. He even submitted to the payment of taxes even when He did not need to do so for the sake of peace. He was full of mercy. He was sincere and impartial and He produced much good fruit. Those who live their lives modelling such Christ-like behavior are indeed blessed with Godly wisdom. In the process, their actions and behavior will cause others to want to be like them. Ultimately, this would lead them to the saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ – the true source of Heavenly wisdom. This is how we can get a harvest of righteousness.

 

If we reflect back on the people that touched our lives and caused us to start on our paths to Christianity, there was something about them that was different from others. They were kinder, more patient and loving people. They were more caring and considerate to others. And because they were committed Christians, they were different and that caused others to want to know more about Jesus Christ. That was what happened to a woman. She noticed a co-worker who was different from everyone else at work. She became curious and she wanted to know why he was hardworking, committed, adaptable and cheerful. She found out that he was a Christian and she wanted to know more about Christianity. In time, she also became a Christian. If Christians “sow in peace”, they will reap a harvest of righteousness.

 

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, we thank you for the example shown by your Son, the Lord Jesus to teach us to be peace-loving, submissive, sincere, merciful, impartial, considerate and to produce good fruit. Please help us to show these qualities daily so that we draw others to your saving grace. We pray this is the precious name of the Lord Jesus. Amen.

Questions

  1. Read James 3:13-18. What are some examples of worldly wisdom you see today and what are some examples of Godly wisdom you see? Discuss.
  2. How can you show mercy, consideration, impartiality, sincerity, good fruit and peace to others in practical ways? Share.
  3. What may be the results of your actions if you show mercy, consideration, impartiality, sincerity, good fruit and peace to others? Share.
  4. Why is it important that you practice Christ-likeness? Discuss.