It Starts Small

God’s Word provides detailed explanation of Heavenly wisdom, which leads to godliness, or earthy demonic wisdom which leads to corruption.

In this chapter of James, we will visist it a few times as we look at the characteristics of heavenly vs corrupted wisdom, James has been describing the so-called-wisdom of the world. Before we get into that part of the scripture, we are going to look at heavenly wisdom, first.

James describes the characteristics of the wisdom from heaven as God’s wisdom. This is a wisdom of those who trust God to provide all they need and to give them every good gift.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

James 1:17

Those who Trust God’s wisdom trust Him to fulfill every desire of their hearts for eternity with Him in heaven.

The result of choosing to trust the wisdom of heaven is that believers will become more willing to sacrifice opportunities for more of the world and instead make themselves available to serve the needs of others. Submission to God yields a much different attitude, behavior, and lifestyle. It walks against selfish and worldly ambitions.

James describes godly wisdom as “pure.” The Greek word used here is hagnē and means undivided, chaste, or pure. This kind of wisdom is refined and focused on on one thing: whatever God has called us to do.

James goes on to says that God’s wisdom is:

Peaceable or peace-loving. It puts a high value on easing conflict.

Gentle or considerate, not ready to fight but ready to serve.

Reasonable or submissive and ready to see things from another point of view and do it someone else’s way.

Merciful and impartial and not showing the favoritism James speaks about in chapter 2.

Sincere and is not fake with the desire to get out of someone what you want them to do.

When we sit back and look over this list, it’s amazing how much easier and more pleasant life becomes when a Christian gives up the requirement of getting what he or she wants at all costs. Living without a selfish agenda, there’s a less and less need for conflict. And yet, the only way to give up that agenda is to believe that our good God is providing all we need in every moment.

---

If you are following along in the Journal, the back pages have a table of Heavenly Wisdom vs. Corrupted Wisdom. Today’s scripture is in the first block under the column Heavenly Wisdom. If you get stuck, you can visit this page and see my example.

---