Heavenly Wisdom examination number 2

James 3:17 gives us the definition of Heavenly Wisdom, which is basically the opposite of earthly wisdom. James 3:14-16 defines earthly  wisdom  thusly: "But if you harbor 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….there you find disorder and every evil practice.”

Yesterday we looked at the first quality of Heavenly Wisdom, “purity," which starts in our motives. Good actions from bad motives will end up bad, kind of like making chocolate cookies with mud!

The second quality is “peace loving.” It is so easy to say things that disturb peace, like, “When will you ever learn….?” “Can’t you get anything right?” “Well nice you a couple of A’s on your report card, but what about the rest….?” Or one I want  to use a lot, “You promised you would do  this for me…7 times actually and it’s still not done!!!”

These are not words that promote peace. After learning about Heavenly Wisdom, I am now aware of how every day, several times a day I want to say things that destroy peace, that damage relationships. Simple as, “Come on, get with it!” or as complex as, “What were you thinking when you said that???” These statements are unnecessary; they make me the judge, the one who is right so I can put others down.

But if I  bit my tongue and cut off those peace-killing thoughts, I am set free and others are shielded from unnecessary hurt. So instead of, “Boy are you so clumsy!” I can say, “Here, let me clean that up. I’ve done things like this myself!” This promotes peace, builds others up and gives us joy.

Watch your thoughts, filter your words, be a peace lover, a people saver and experience joy and freedom.

picture: be one who releases doves of peace to those around you rather than crows of contention.