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REFLECTION

The theme for our reflection is “two kinds of Wisdom”. Wisdom is the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgement. James enlightens the recipients of his letter about two kinds of wisdom. These are heavenly wisdom and earthly or worldly wisdom.

First, James wrote about heavenly or godly wisdom, “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 … 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 reap a harvest of righteousness.” (James 3:3, 17-18). A careful study of the characteristics of the heavenly wisdom leads to the conclusion that to be considered wise one must follow the perfect example of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the Wisdom of God therefore anyone who accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior and emulates His perfect examples will become wise. It is, for this reason, Paul wrote that “but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength… It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.” (1 Corinthians 1:24-25,30). In other words, without a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, it is impossible to have wisdom that comes from God and pleases Him. It is important to add that those who possess the nature of Christ or the wisdom of Christ are His peace ambassadors. Jesus assures us that “Blessed are the peacemakers (wise people), for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). The wisdom of a believer must ultimately promote love, peace, fellowship and respect for human dignity.

Second, James identified worldly or earthly wisdom which is opposed to heavenly wisdom, “… if you harbour bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. (James 3:14-16) A person who possesses earthly wisdom clearly does not know Jesus Christ, hence, has not been saved. Before Paul encountered Jesus on his way to Damascus to persecute Christians, he possessed earthly wisdom which was envious of the followers of Christ and promoted the selfish ambition of the Jewish authorities. However, when he had an encounter with Jesus, Paul was totally transformed. He was transformed because he came to possess heavenly wisdom. The violent persecutor become the man who preached peace and indeed became the victim of persecution. (Act 9:1-19). Paul demonstrated his heavenly wisdom when he admonished the Roman Christians to “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low positions. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Romans 12:16-18) Earthly wisdom does not promote peace, love and fellowship. It rather seeks to destroy that which heavenly wisdom has created. We should be watchful by being prayerful and taking the study of God’s Word seriously so that we will not be tempted or misled into practising earthly wisdom borne out of envy, selfishness and the desires of the flesh. Shalom

PRAYER

What kind of wisdom do you possess and apply to your life? What is the outcome of the kind of wisdom you apply in your life, does it promote godliness, love and peace or otherwise? Pray for the Holy Spirit to grant you heavenly wisdom and the will to apply it in all your endeavours and interactions with others.

Holy Spirit, empower us to live by heavenly wisdom so that we shall continually live according to the will of God and also “live at peace with everyone” Amen. (Romans 12:18)