James 3:13-18

 James 3:13-18

Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambitions in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth.

It is amazing how we can read this and think of the persons whom this is talking about rather than ourselves. Those who do things out of selfish ambition or bitter jealously. But the truth is, if we were examining our hearts before the Lord we can probably see areas we have done this too. Maybe realizing it, maybe not. 

Social media 1000% leads to this. We see what people are doing. And often wish we were doing it too. So then, we post...too. We share what we are doing ignoring the scripture to not let our left hand know what our right hand is doing. We feel a need to account the good works that we are doing, and I dare suggest this goes against what we are being taught. Works done with meekness and wisdom are ones done out of a deep, abiding love that flows out of the relationship with the Savior. Not works done because we are wanting to do something...too.

Selfish ambition is a sneaky thing. We can think we are doing something good for others when often we are doing it to feel good about ourselves. We are trying to merit our salvation rather than meekly display the lavish love of God and gift of grace that was freely bestowed upon us. 

Verse 17-18 say But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

We could literally spend the next week discussing every word from this list. Take time this weekend to use it as a guide. Does the wisdom I demonstrate both privately and publicly reflect these things? Romans 12 also discusses these things. There is a portion headed in the ESV with the title "Marks of a True Christian," and Paul says, "Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, but fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in affliction, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you. Bless and do not curse them Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all." 

In some ways this feels like a summary of James! It is important to note the consistency of a life lived in Christ. May we work on this list rather than the world's. <3

Worship: Proverbs