As we read the book of James, it’s
easy to conclude that he was a wise man. And it’s no wonder that he was wise,
after all, James was the younger half-brother of Jesus. I couldn’t imagine
living for years in the household of
Jesus without something good rubbing off on you. James, therefore, had an
inside perspective on what heavenly wisdom should look like in earthly
relationships. Which is precisely what we read in James 3:17, but the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable,
gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.
James inserts this observation after
first asking his readers, who is wise and
understanding among you? (James
3:13a). Good question, but rather pointed, calling for personal evaluation. James
was obviously looking for answers that wouldn’t reflect worldly thinking and
behaviour. Rather, he was looking for evidence of heavenly wisdom as he writes,
by his good conduct let him show his works in
the meekness of wisdom (James 3:13b). James was looking for wisdom
that expressed humility through good behaviour, showing the Christian to be
authentic.
He
then itemises in verses 14-16, some rather sour attitudes and behaviours which is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is
earthly, unspiritual, demonic. What a contrast! The person
who walks with the Lord, keeping in step with the Spirit (Gal 5:25), with the
Word of Christ dwelling richly within (Col 3:16), will express the love and
mind of Christ (Jn 13:34; 1Co 2:16) through wisdom from above. It is this
heavenly wisdom which reveals 8 qualities of Christlike character that makes
for a God honouring life and grows sweet relationships. But as is always the
case, it takes 2 people living right attitudes to grow harmony.
In
verse 17, James calls the body of Christ to sacrifice pride, elevating humility
which values Jesus and others in their priorities. I doubt anyone would
complain at being treated with these 8 qualities. This wonderful list of wisdom’s
qualities could only lead to peace, unity, joy, and long-lasting friendships. It
makes sense then, when James concludes that godly wisdom produces a harvest of righteousness (and) is sown in peace by those who make peace (James
3:18). Again, if we want to see righteousness resulting from believer’s
interactions with one another, their needs to be heavenly-styled wisdom shared by those who make peace.
James
paints a picture of believers who are intentional in the way they work peace
into their lives. Peace is never the accidental outcome of worldly good luck.
No way! Peace is the result of invested wisdom in other’s lives. Especially when
wisdom’s 8 facets are mutually deposited by one another into each other’s lives,
righteousness
and peace will be the outcome. Just think of the added
pleasure marriages would enjoy if both spouses lived this heavenly wisdom.
Families would be transformed; churches would be revitalised, never to divide. Communities
would be influenced by the love of Christ as people experience the character of
Jesus through Christians. A God honouring testimony of Jesus Christ would be inescapable
to the watching world.
As we begin each day, may we prioritise
the wisdom from above (which)
is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to
reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. Why?
Because, as believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we have
been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living
and abiding word of God (1 Peter 1:23).
