Live Like This

James 3:13-18

Verse 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.

    We have talked about the evidence of living by the world’s wisdom, but what shows in our life when we live by God’s wisdom?

    James didn’t leave his readers wondering what evidence would look like if they had the wisdom of God in their lives.  He makes a partial list.  One thing we know about James, from what we have already studied, is that he is intentional with his use of examples.  Knowing this we need to take a closer look at what he was pointing out, as it will have relevance to us too.

    First he lists purity.  This is a quality that may seem like a given in the Church, but when we look at the level of pornography, sexual activity outside of marriage, lack of modesty, discretion, filthy jokes and other such things practiced by those who claim Christ, we can’t help but see the way the church is living in the wisdom of the world.  As the Church, it is important that we aren’t reflecting the world in any of these ways.  We need to be pure to reflect Jesus who lived a pure life.  God’s wisdom is pure and He will lead us in purity.

    Next James says it is peace-loving.  This isn’t saying that someone loves peace, but one that is peaceable.  It is someone that has an inner peace that can’t be explained by the people of the world because the person has a peace even in the hardest of life’s trials.  This is a peace that only can be displayed because of the understanding that God is in control.  It is the wisdom that the believer can have through relationship with the Father.

    The list continues with consideration.  With the wisdom of God pointing to His various characteristics, we see gentle kindness in His followers because we know the depth of His gentle kindness with us as we fight our sinful nature.  Knowing the level of His gentle kindness to us, can we keep from giving the same to others?

    We have only made a start into this list but already we have things that we can evaluate in our own lives.

Making It Personal

    Comparing the world and God’s view on purity, on which side do you find yourself?  Do you have a peace of mind and heart that are solid no matter what life seems to be throwing your way?  How is consideration revealed in your life?

Making It Personal Kids

    How can you keep your thoughts clean?  What does it mean to have feelings of peace on the inside?  How can you be kind and considerate to someone today to show them how Jesus lived?

Closing Prayer

    Father, thank You for showing us how we are to live in Your wisdom.  Give us a desire to live as You want us to.  In Jesus’ name, amen.