Welcome to Cornerstone Ministries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Anointed Profit for August 2016
What Does Wisdom from Above Look Like - Part 1
In James' time folks wanted to know what we also want to know. What does wisdom from about look like? And James deals with the subjuect in James chapter 1 and verse 5. He writes “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5). James adds just one condition in the next couple of verses. He says we need to ask in faith and trust God in the middle of our problems.
People today like people during the first century are burdened down with problems. With prejudice, hurtful words, and outright hypocrisy, family and friends were acting like enemies. It is in these struggles that James, not only tells them how to obtain wisdom and where it comes from, but also clearly shows them how to recognize wisdom that comes from above.
I located a short article published by Mart De Hann dated January 2008 entitled “what does wisdom from above look like” and I want to share it with you. Let this message feed your spirit and allow your spirit soak it up.
Pure – James shows that the wisdom from ”above” does not mix faith in Christ with the motives of greed, envy, and selfish ambition (James 3:14-17; 4:1-3). This can be an eye-opener for those of us who are inclined to blame one another for our problems without looking at our own hearts.
When good relationships go bad, thoughtful people often ask one another, “What do you want me to do?” James, however, gives us reason to first ask ourselves, “Why am I so upset? Where is my heart? What motives am I bringing to this conflict? Is my intent really to show the presence of Christ in me?” Am I acting godly?
Only when we honestly want to be in line with the pure intent and heart of God can we respond to conflict in a way that is genuinely peaceable.
Peaceable – When our hearts ring with the heart of God, we long for peace rather than conflict. Even when circumstances can never be the same again, “The wisdom that is from above” helps us to see the foolishness of a bitter or vengeful spirit. Enlightenment that enables us to value peace over conflict (James 1:5) is a gift from God.
Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them; that thy profiting may appear to all (I Timothy 4:15).
Marinating in His Love - George Dillon
Cornerstone Ministries
|
