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. James 3:17-18
Meditation: Erwin McManus, Pastor of Mosaic Church in Los Angeles, California spoke at a conference we attended some time ago. He demonstrated that people can attain educational degrees and the status that goes with those degrees but not be wise. They can be extremely rich and also lack wisdom. Status and attaining the riches of the world don’t really have a lot to do with wisdom. Pastor McManus pointed out that the wise person understands relationships. They are about relationship. Our passage today confirms this fact. God’s wisdom sows peace, seeks the well-being of others and seeks to encourage and build up people. Wisdom from Heaven builds relationships and draws people to Christ.
The wise man is the man who lives out God’s wisdom in his day to day life. This man isn’t the wise old sage sitting on a mountain top judging situations and issues for those who come to him with their problems. He is in the midst of life, working with people, discipling, loving, and reaching out to those in need of help. The wise man walks in the ways of God. But more than that, he loves God and those around him. We can see the fruit of this man’s work. There is a harvest of righteousness as people are drawn to Christ because of the wise man’s care and compassion. Others walk closer with the Lord because He uses this man to touch their lives.
Challenge: Are you a wise man? Are you a peacemaker, drawing others to Christ with love, compassion, mercy and consideration? Do you seek to reconcile others to Christ and with each other? Education and training are not required for wisdom, and in fact can hinder wisdom. God’s wisdom requires availability and a willing heart. Are you available and willing to be used in the lives of people? Open your eyes and your heart to where God wants to use you today.
Thought for the Day: Lord, help me to walk in Your ways and be used by You in the lives of the people you bring my way.
Chris Garner
Used by permission – Fortified Marriages.