James 4: 13-17
Boasting About Tomorrow
13 Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” 16 As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. 17 If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.
This week's segment of scripture is short, but powerful. Let's take a look...
Verse 13 starts by sharing a sense of urgency with the use of the words, "Now listen." The message given in verse 13 assumes that the receivers of this message are making plans for the future with confidence that they have complete control of each day. In doing so, they are ignoring the sovereignty of God.
Verse 14 reminds us that we have no idea what will become of tomorrow or the next day. We are here on Earth for such a short time in God's grand plan. The Psalmist describes this season in Psalm 39:5, "5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure.[a]" Psalm 144:4 says that "4 They are like a breath; their days are like a fleeting shadow." Like a "fleeting shadow", "a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes"... this quickly puts life into perspective. The description reminds me of the dew that forms on top of leaves on trees and on top of blades of grass early in the morning. It quickly evaporates as the sun rises. How do you view your life? Do you have a verse 13 perspective or a verse 15 perspective?
I feel like Verse 15 is the banner over my life and plans. "If it is the Lord's will," then we will go here and do that... Deo Volente is Latin for Lord Willing. "Lord Willing, I will have another baby (No announcements here! :-) this is just an example) or live to travel the world with my husband". I once read that if you would like to make God giggle, tell him your plans. :-) He has a plan and it will be fulfilled with or without us. We should make plans and fulfill our purpose here on Earth using the gifts that God gave us. But, we execute those plans with the understanding that the days will come only as God is willing to give them and that our short time here should be focused on His Purpose and "do(ing) the good (we) ought to do" as stated in verse 17.
In verse 16, James warns about boasting about our plans and how that is sinful and flat out "evil." To "boast" is defined as bragging or being prideful. In this case, it is being prideful that you are in control. Proverbs 27:1 puts it simply- "Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring." We should take each day as it comes with humility and gratitude. For we do not have the power to control how many days we receive and what each day will bring. How dare we take credit for the Author's work?
Verse 17 is sobering; especially for believers that know what God calls us to do and do not execute that calling in our lives. Take a look at John 9:41 "41 Jesus said, “If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains." 2 Peter 2:21 illustrates the message in James, verse 17 even further- "21 It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them." How obedient are we to what God calls us to do? Is there some good that you feel called to do? Good that the Holy Spirit continues to remind you to do, that you continue to resist?
Looking forward to studying James 5: 1-6,
"Warning to Rich Oppressors" with you next week. Deo Valente! :-)
M
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Submit Yourselves to God
James 4: 1-12:
Submit Yourselves to God
11 Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister[d] or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. 12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?
Girls, there is so much meat in these verses! Please, grab a cup of tea/coffee and carve out 15 minutes to meditate on these verses, it will be worth replacing your Pinterest free time today :-). This entry got a little long, so forgive me for the length- I just couldn't stop myself!
When I read Chapter 4, specifically verse 3, I was hit with conviction. If I may be transparent with you all, I fought my sinful self this very evening. My fabulous mother in law is visiting and encouraged my husband and I to go out after dinner. My husband has some prep work to do for an upcoming men's retreat he is attending and this is my only opportunity this week to spend time working on this blog entry. But, instead of yearning to be sitting here digging into God's word, I suggested we go to Target and stroll through the toy aisles (one of my husband's favorite things to do :-)) where I saw lots of clearance tags on an earlier visit. Thankfully, my husband has more self discipline than me and he drove us to Barnes and Noble where I agreed that was the better place to spend our free time.
I share this story not to say that strolling toy aisles is bad- it is not- but that many times my motives are misguided. My prayer to God to bless me with extra time may be rooted in my desire to squander it on self pleasures like Target. :-) This segment of scripture has commanded my attention. I need a full selfishness shower from these raw, sinful thoughts.
I think these verses will cause us to pause and reflect on whom and what we serve on a daily basis. Let's take a look at the wisdom God has for us starting in verses 1-3...
For example, think for a minute about the news stories we view of people that are having money troubles that lead to divorce, broken relationships with business partners/friends, and general destruction of their lives because of the desperation of greed. This greed lies in the world, not in communion with our Lord. When you really examine the bedrock of the arguments witnessed around you, they are born out of sin. Matthew 6:24 clearly states that 24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." With the aforementioned example, if this person cried out to God to bless him, only to go and spend the money on his continued self absorbed pleasures- Do you think that God would bless him? This story portrays a person serving the world, money, or himself, not God.
I love what John 15:19 says on this topic: "19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you." We should not be "besties" with the world, in fact, we should feel like aliens living here temporarily. The world unquestionably does not "love" us as its own. Have you ever felt the "love" from this world? If anything, I feel like when you hand your heart over to this world it sucks you into its volcano like pit and then spits you out at the timing of its pleasing. There is no loving relationship, it is the exact opposite.
With some research I found that the Greek word for brother or sister (adelphos) refers here to a "believer", whether man or woman, as part of God’s family. Verse 11 commands us to not disparage one another. We too often take judgment lightly and shift into judgement gear as if it were part of our job descriptions. The later part of verse 11 was enlightening to me because of the statement "sitting in judgment on it." Have you ever thought of judgment in that way? By judging others and the law, we are in effect not keeping the law and are in fact breaking the law in that very moment ourselves.
Chapter 4 gives so much focus to humility, but verse 12 particularly serves me a silver platter full of humility. There is "ONLY ONE JUDGE"- it is certainly not me. Many of you may be familiar with Matthew 7: 1-6. It is a great illustration of how judgment is pointless and our participation in it is futile. “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye." The next time I start to judge a "brother" or "sister" I going to remind myself of these verses and the grace bestowed upon me through Christ.
I hope these verses have been as encouraging and challenging to you as they have been to me. Thanks again for your patience in my timing of posts. :-) Looking forward to studying James 4:13-17 with you next week!
M
Submit Yourselves to God
4 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? 2 You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
4 You adulterous people,[a] don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us[b]? 6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:
7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands,you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom.10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
Girls, there is so much meat in these verses! Please, grab a cup of tea/coffee and carve out 15 minutes to meditate on these verses, it will be worth replacing your Pinterest free time today :-). This entry got a little long, so forgive me for the length- I just couldn't stop myself!
When I read Chapter 4, specifically verse 3, I was hit with conviction. If I may be transparent with you all, I fought my sinful self this very evening. My fabulous mother in law is visiting and encouraged my husband and I to go out after dinner. My husband has some prep work to do for an upcoming men's retreat he is attending and this is my only opportunity this week to spend time working on this blog entry. But, instead of yearning to be sitting here digging into God's word, I suggested we go to Target and stroll through the toy aisles (one of my husband's favorite things to do :-)) where I saw lots of clearance tags on an earlier visit. Thankfully, my husband has more self discipline than me and he drove us to Barnes and Noble where I agreed that was the better place to spend our free time.
I share this story not to say that strolling toy aisles is bad- it is not- but that many times my motives are misguided. My prayer to God to bless me with extra time may be rooted in my desire to squander it on self pleasures like Target. :-) This segment of scripture has commanded my attention. I need a full selfishness shower from these raw, sinful thoughts.
I think these verses will cause us to pause and reflect on whom and what we serve on a daily basis. Let's take a look at the wisdom God has for us starting in verses 1-3...
4 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? 2 You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
How often have you asked for God to bless you with something, but with the wrong motives? It seems we ask for things and assume that our motives are just, but then as we peal back the layers of the request we recognize that we want to be blessed because we are coveting something and want to spend the blessing on our own pleasures, not on what the Lord desires of our blessing. Those motives rooted in selfish desire create discord and disagreements, etc. as described in verse 2.
For example, think for a minute about the news stories we view of people that are having money troubles that lead to divorce, broken relationships with business partners/friends, and general destruction of their lives because of the desperation of greed. This greed lies in the world, not in communion with our Lord. When you really examine the bedrock of the arguments witnessed around you, they are born out of sin. Matthew 6:24 clearly states that 24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." With the aforementioned example, if this person cried out to God to bless him, only to go and spend the money on his continued self absorbed pleasures- Do you think that God would bless him? This story portrays a person serving the world, money, or himself, not God.
Verse 3 states that when asked, God does not bless because selfish motives were the intention of the blessing. God most certainly does answer prayer and will give to us what we ask. Take for example, 1 John 3:22, "...receive from him anything we ask, because we keep his commands and do what pleases him." And in 1 John 5:14, "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us." And lastly, in verse 7, "7 Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." It is important to note that in each of these verses it does not say, "ask for anything your sinful heart desires, even if it is not according to my purpose", etc. There is a qualifier in each verse, "you do not receive because you have wrong motives," "receive from him anything we ask, because we keep his commands and do what pleases him", and "we ask anything according to his will." So, God will always hear us and will give us what we ask under the circumstance of His good and perfect will for our lives.
4 You adulterous people,[a] don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us[b]? 6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:
I read this segment several times before I really understood what I think James is telling us. "You adulterous people," meaning you people worshiping the world- cheating on God. Romans 8:77 describes this mindset..."7 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so." These cheaters are showing hatred against God because they are basically wearing 1/2 of a "BFF" heart necklace with the world. Those necklace carrying friends are not in communion with Christ as described in 1 John 2:15.- "15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father[a] is not in them." I don't know about you, but I want to have a crystal clear love for Christ, without a glimmer of a World BFF necklace around my neck.
In verse 5 James suggests that "Scripture" consistently has purpose. I studied the word "Scripture" more and was lead to 1 Timothy 16-17, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." After much reading and discussion, I feel that James' reference to the word "Scripture" means whatever was written at the time, perhaps the Old Testament, or other teaching that is and was God-breathed and used for learning, correction, instruction, edification, etc.
Verse 5 goes on to say that God meant what he said when it was written "he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us." The statement was not just said in jest. Our God loves us jealously as further evidenced in Exodus 34:14, "Do not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God." Our God does not tolerate us splitting our servant hood among masters. He commands (for good reason) our full attention and devotion.
I love what John 15:19 says on this topic: "19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you." We should not be "besties" with the world, in fact, we should feel like aliens living here temporarily. The world unquestionably does not "love" us as its own. Have you ever felt the "love" from this world? If anything, I feel like when you hand your heart over to this world it sucks you into its volcano like pit and then spits you out at the timing of its pleasing. There is no loving relationship, it is the exact opposite.
Then in verse 6 James says that God gives us "grace"- he gives us unmerited favor. Favor not because of anything we have done, but only what Christ has done on our behalf. In the later part of verse six it says that "God opposes the proud, but gives favor to the humble." Mathew 23:12 further demonstrates God's favor on humility: "For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." Lastly, Proverbs 3:34 says that "He mocks proud mockers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed." From the consistency of these verses it is clear that God desires humility from us, not pride.
7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom.10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
Verse 7 is so reassuring to me as a sinner. "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."- that is all I have to do, as a believer- take a sin scrub in the tub/resist the devil, and seek God. In doing so, I will no longer be chained to my sin and will ultimately enjoy the freedom that fellowship with God brings.
By seeking Him first with humility, he will carry us to safety. In Job 5:11 it says, "11 The lowly he sets on high, and those who mourn are lifted to safety." Chapter 4 speaks distinctively about the importance of humility. I read a great quote about humility as I studied these verses..."Humiliation is shame. Humility is meekness, not out of shame, but out of righteousness". Because as as Proverbs 22:4 shares, "By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life." Humility = to be Christlike.
By seeking Him first with humility, he will carry us to safety. In Job 5:11 it says, "11 The lowly he sets on high, and those who mourn are lifted to safety." Chapter 4 speaks distinctively about the importance of humility. I read a great quote about humility as I studied these verses..."Humiliation is shame. Humility is meekness, not out of shame, but out of righteousness". Because as as Proverbs 22:4 shares, "By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life." Humility = to be Christlike.
11 Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister[d] or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. 12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?
With some research I found that the Greek word for brother or sister (adelphos) refers here to a "believer", whether man or woman, as part of God’s family. Verse 11 commands us to not disparage one another. We too often take judgment lightly and shift into judgement gear as if it were part of our job descriptions. The later part of verse 11 was enlightening to me because of the statement "sitting in judgment on it." Have you ever thought of judgment in that way? By judging others and the law, we are in effect not keeping the law and are in fact breaking the law in that very moment ourselves.
Chapter 4 gives so much focus to humility, but verse 12 particularly serves me a silver platter full of humility. There is "ONLY ONE JUDGE"- it is certainly not me. Many of you may be familiar with Matthew 7: 1-6. It is a great illustration of how judgment is pointless and our participation in it is futile. “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2 For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3 “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? 4 How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye." The next time I start to judge a "brother" or "sister" I going to remind myself of these verses and the grace bestowed upon me through Christ.
I hope these verses have been as encouraging and challenging to you as they have been to me. Thanks again for your patience in my timing of posts. :-) Looking forward to studying James 4:13-17 with you next week!
M
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Two Kinds of Wisdom
James 3: 13-18:
Two Kinds of Wisdom
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
17 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. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
Hope you all had a great holiday last week! Just want to give a shout of to my sweet husband...who encourages me and asks thought provoking questions to jump start my examination of scripture. I suffered from some serious
"writer's block" over this small section and after some prayer and about 10 minutes discussing with my husband I was back on track...thanks, honey!
This week's segment of scripture is short and sweet. Just as we discovered last week about taming our tongues in this world, this week we are examining our motives based on the wisdom that we subscribe to in this world. This segment of scripture focuses on the importance of good wisdom. Let's take a look...
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
What type of wisdom do you feel fills your heart? I think it is interesting that according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the definition of wisdom is this "1. Accumulated philosophic or scientific learning; knowledge.
2. Ability to discern inner qualities and relationships; insight.
3. Good sense; judgment." So wisdom impacts the paradigm in which we use to walk through life. It is the foundation from which we take action. We must use "good" wisdom in which to base our lives.
As we examine the first group of scriptures, the rhetorical nature of verse 13 begs the question of our motives behind our deeds. Why do we do the things we do? Are we completely motivated to be Christlike or just a little bit and more motivated to show the world that we are great people that should have attention paid to them? Do we diminish our deeds by making them known- do they then become born out of our desire to covet and focused on our own interests? What is the fruit of your wisdom? From verse 13 we see that wisdom is born in a good life full of "deeds done in humility" or actions taken in Christ's love. 1 Peter 2:12 describes this type of living in wisdom further; "12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us."
Our society is full of ambitious, "it's all about number 1" mentality people. In fact, during my career I fought to try to be one of those people. Throughout different roles in my career, the common thread between them is that I, and my peers, competed to be the best. Many times in striving to be the better employee or most decorated salesperson, we did so at the cost of others. We were measuring ourselves by worldly wisdom. Worldly wisdom encourages us to succeed in our career no matter the cost to others. Our prize lies in pride and accomplishment in the eyes of the people of this world because we rose to the top. We were never contented or satisfied. The constant competition resulted in at times lack of teamwork, discord, and damaged relationships (evil practices). 1 Corinthians 3:19 explains this about wisdom: "19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.”[a] Earlier in 1 Corinthians 2:6 (6 We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing) it further explains to us that the wisdom of this world does not lead us to the prize, but instead to a big pile of nothing.
In verse 14 the scripture says to not "boast" about the evil ambition of your hearts because in doing so you are "denying the truth." Furthermore, Romans 2:8 defines the consequences of this, "8 But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger." To deny the truth means to buy into the worldly wisdom and ignore God's truth, heavenly wisdom. Let's examine what "heavenly wisdom" looks like in the following verses.
17 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. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
The worldy wisdom examined in verses 13-16 is characterized by earthly, unspiritual, and demonic motives and practices. It breeds "envy and selfish ambition" and leads to "disorder and evil practices." However, heavenly wisdom is described in verse 17 as "first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere." What a breath of fresh air! The adjectives used to describe heavenly wisdom are direct antonyms to the words used to describe worldy wisdom- submissive, the antonym to ambition, being considerate verses being envious, etc. The first and second paragraphs give us a clear compare and contrast of the two types of wisdom.
After verse 17, we have a definition of God's wisdom and then in verse 18 we see that the result of our obediance in being more Christlike will be righteousness. If we can apply the wisdom of heaven, we will "reap a harvest of righteousness."
The word, "peacemaker" makes me think of someone that is a representative of a nation at war with another nation. The peacemakers of each nation meet to try to come with a resolution of peace, but neither side can be impartial or sincere. They fight over resources and land, they are looking out for their own interests alone. They are ambitious in the midst of chaos, rooted in evil practices. In contrast, as a peacemaker representing heavenly wisdom described in verse 17, we will reap righteousness. Do you remember how we defined "righteousness" in James 1:20. "Free from guilt of sin" or "to be reconciled with God." So if our foundation is built from heavenly wisdom, as peacemakers, we will harvest righteousness. I love how Matthew 5:9 confirms the blessings of being a peacemaker, "9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."
In 2 Corinthians 1:12 it says "12 Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, with integrity[a] and godly sincerity. We have done so, relying not on worldly wisdom but on God’s grace." If you want to "boast" about something, this is it- that you conduct yourself in this world with integrity and godly sincerity based on God's grace, not of worldly wisdom.
Girls, I am looking forward to studying "Submit yourselves to God," James 4:1-12 with you all next week. Thanks so much for the grace bestowed upon me with my "holiday" last week from posting and with the tardiness of my post this week. Our house is in full swing of summer visitors :-) My posts may not be as "on time" over the next couple of weeks, but rest assured, they will be posted! God's Word is like oxygen to my soul, I can't live without it. I am so grateful that you all are taking this journey through James with me this summer. Thanks so much to all of you that have sent me notes throughout this study! I love knowing that you are reading and that God is revealing Himself to each of you through this study. He is faithful!
M
Two Kinds of Wisdom
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
17 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. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
Hope you all had a great holiday last week! Just want to give a shout of to my sweet husband...who encourages me and asks thought provoking questions to jump start my examination of scripture. I suffered from some serious
"writer's block" over this small section and after some prayer and about 10 minutes discussing with my husband I was back on track...thanks, honey!
This week's segment of scripture is short and sweet. Just as we discovered last week about taming our tongues in this world, this week we are examining our motives based on the wisdom that we subscribe to in this world. This segment of scripture focuses on the importance of good wisdom. Let's take a look...
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
What type of wisdom do you feel fills your heart? I think it is interesting that according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the definition of wisdom is this "1. Accumulated philosophic or scientific learning; knowledge.
2. Ability to discern inner qualities and relationships; insight.
3. Good sense; judgment." So wisdom impacts the paradigm in which we use to walk through life. It is the foundation from which we take action. We must use "good" wisdom in which to base our lives.
As we examine the first group of scriptures, the rhetorical nature of verse 13 begs the question of our motives behind our deeds. Why do we do the things we do? Are we completely motivated to be Christlike or just a little bit and more motivated to show the world that we are great people that should have attention paid to them? Do we diminish our deeds by making them known- do they then become born out of our desire to covet and focused on our own interests? What is the fruit of your wisdom? From verse 13 we see that wisdom is born in a good life full of "deeds done in humility" or actions taken in Christ's love. 1 Peter 2:12 describes this type of living in wisdom further; "12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us."
Our society is full of ambitious, "it's all about number 1" mentality people. In fact, during my career I fought to try to be one of those people. Throughout different roles in my career, the common thread between them is that I, and my peers, competed to be the best. Many times in striving to be the better employee or most decorated salesperson, we did so at the cost of others. We were measuring ourselves by worldly wisdom. Worldly wisdom encourages us to succeed in our career no matter the cost to others. Our prize lies in pride and accomplishment in the eyes of the people of this world because we rose to the top. We were never contented or satisfied. The constant competition resulted in at times lack of teamwork, discord, and damaged relationships (evil practices). 1 Corinthians 3:19 explains this about wisdom: "19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.”[a] Earlier in 1 Corinthians 2:6 (6 We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing) it further explains to us that the wisdom of this world does not lead us to the prize, but instead to a big pile of nothing.
In verse 14 the scripture says to not "boast" about the evil ambition of your hearts because in doing so you are "denying the truth." Furthermore, Romans 2:8 defines the consequences of this, "8 But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger." To deny the truth means to buy into the worldly wisdom and ignore God's truth, heavenly wisdom. Let's examine what "heavenly wisdom" looks like in the following verses.
17 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. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.
The worldy wisdom examined in verses 13-16 is characterized by earthly, unspiritual, and demonic motives and practices. It breeds "envy and selfish ambition" and leads to "disorder and evil practices." However, heavenly wisdom is described in verse 17 as "first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere." What a breath of fresh air! The adjectives used to describe heavenly wisdom are direct antonyms to the words used to describe worldy wisdom- submissive, the antonym to ambition, being considerate verses being envious, etc. The first and second paragraphs give us a clear compare and contrast of the two types of wisdom.
After verse 17, we have a definition of God's wisdom and then in verse 18 we see that the result of our obediance in being more Christlike will be righteousness. If we can apply the wisdom of heaven, we will "reap a harvest of righteousness."
The word, "peacemaker" makes me think of someone that is a representative of a nation at war with another nation. The peacemakers of each nation meet to try to come with a resolution of peace, but neither side can be impartial or sincere. They fight over resources and land, they are looking out for their own interests alone. They are ambitious in the midst of chaos, rooted in evil practices. In contrast, as a peacemaker representing heavenly wisdom described in verse 17, we will reap righteousness. Do you remember how we defined "righteousness" in James 1:20. "Free from guilt of sin" or "to be reconciled with God." So if our foundation is built from heavenly wisdom, as peacemakers, we will harvest righteousness. I love how Matthew 5:9 confirms the blessings of being a peacemaker, "9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."
In 2 Corinthians 1:12 it says "12 Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, with integrity[a] and godly sincerity. We have done so, relying not on worldly wisdom but on God’s grace." If you want to "boast" about something, this is it- that you conduct yourself in this world with integrity and godly sincerity based on God's grace, not of worldly wisdom.
Girls, I am looking forward to studying "Submit yourselves to God," James 4:1-12 with you all next week. Thanks so much for the grace bestowed upon me with my "holiday" last week from posting and with the tardiness of my post this week. Our house is in full swing of summer visitors :-) My posts may not be as "on time" over the next couple of weeks, but rest assured, they will be posted! God's Word is like oxygen to my soul, I can't live without it. I am so grateful that you all are taking this journey through James with me this summer. Thanks so much to all of you that have sent me notes throughout this study! I love knowing that you are reading and that God is revealing Himself to each of you through this study. He is faithful!
M
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
A little late...
Hey Girls:
With the holiday, I am going to be a little late posting this week! I will e-mail out once the entry has been posted. Thanks for your understanding...Happy Independence Day!
M
With the holiday, I am going to be a little late posting this week! I will e-mail out once the entry has been posted. Thanks for your understanding...Happy Independence Day!
M
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)