Godly wisdom according to James

 **These are some collections of thoughts and reflections in my notes during the service. Not intended for formal essays, blogs nor academic writing.

 

"Knowledge is an accumulation of facts (experience and education)". Understanding is the interpretation of those facts. Wisdom is God-given. There's no wisdom in the world. No other book in this world that could change you."1 The reality is that the wisdom of this world refers to being bitter, envious of one another, and having selfish ambition in your hearts.2 Some people long to be promoted at work and they are going to do anything they can to achieve that goal even up to the point where they make some destructive stories to others in order for them to be favored by the managers. It is a selfish act of them. Some people want to always prove their point and win arguments even to the point of breaking friendships. They only want to think of themselves and are not willing to submit.


"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."3 - James 3:17



 These qualities that James demonstrated can also serve as criteria for assessing ourselves. In whatever situation we are in, whether at work, at school, or play. Try asking yourself these questions:

 "Is this act that I'm doing is pure? Without any hidden agenda or motivation in myself?"

 "Am I promoting peace if I do this? Even though I am totally right? Or I just want to put someone down?"

"Do I exemplify grace and mercy showing consideration when someone cut over me on the highway?"

"Whenever I hear the same things over and over again, do I show annoyance at once, or do I show submissiveness in my part knowing it is just a reminder for me?"

"Do I really force myself to show and prove to everyone that I am right and they are wrong?"


I am no expert on these things. I need God's grace, mercy, and peace to change me inside and out. I'm still a work-in-progress person. We will never be perfect in these areas in our lives. There is always room for improvement. This is a continuous process for us. 



Footnotes:

1 Cunanan, Fer. "The Foundation of Marriage (Part 4)". Sermon at ENCM, Mississauga, ON, October 24, 2021.

2 BibleHub. https://biblehub.com/james/3-16.htm (Accessed on Oct 31, 2021)

3 BibleHub. https://biblehub.com/james/3-17.htm (Accessed on Oct 31, 2021)

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