Two Different Kinds of Wisdom:

I have been continuing my study on the book of James, and I still appreciate the book of James because of its practicality and its best tips to live a Christ centered life.  One of the last sections I have read recently was all about the two kinds of wisdom that exist.  First, there is wisdom in the world, and there is Holy Wisdom or the wisdom God wants to give us and provide to us as his followers.   

I would say I spend a pretty good amount of time on the internet.  I really enjoy listening to podcasts and listening to funny drama shows.  However, the problem with that is sometimes I can gather a lot of worldly advice.  This advice is a lot more selfish, and a lot more focused on getting the best out of life for yourself personally as opposed to looking to actually be better or wiser.  

This worldly wisdom also includes not forgiving someone when they have hurt you a lot.  There even now is a big push to excommunicate people from your life completely.  Now, I am not saying this shouldn’t ever be done, but it does need to be done with the Lord’s help and guidance.  There can also be still love and forgiveness in one’s heart for someone even if you are not in much communication with them.

Godly wisdom looks very different.  For one example, I mentioned earlier, there are times we need to take time to forgive those around us.  This can be incredibly difficult.  I know there have been many people I have encountered in my life who have hurt me, and who I have really struggled to forgive or still do struggle to forgive completely, with my whole heart.  I also am a person who has not been abused or assaulted by anyone, gratefully, so I am not going to pretend I know everything.  I have not been hurt the way others have been.  However, I do know it is important to give your mind a peace and that is the peace only forgiveness from God and forgiveness given to others can give you.   

Other things the world tells you is to work hard at your job.  This could be very Godly wisdom or advice.  However, it is important to evaluate the reasons or the desire for you to work hard.  While the world will tell a person to work hard to get ahead, God’s wisdom is all about serving and caring about those you work with and for.  When you work hard, is it to serve God and the people around you to the best of your ability or is it fuel your ego?   Is it all about looking good and important?  Or is it about being humble and a servant at your job? 

I just love how the wisdom of God is described, right out of the book of James.  James 3: 17-18 says, “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. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” I love these two verses.  This is a great way to describe God’s wisdom and advice.  The Lord’s wisdom is very kind and also filled with peace.  A way to make this peace amongst everyone is to be full of mercy or considerate as well as to be filled with righteousness and above reproach completely. 

I will be honest when I say I seek both types of wisdom at different times.  When I am really angry or frustrated with someone or something in life or at work, there are times I will seek out those who I know won’t give me Christ centered advice.  I don’t always take it.  Maybe I am more looking to vent and to feel validated for my feelings, but it is still important to be aware of those times as well.  Surrounding oneself completely with worldly wisdom will ultimately make you as a person more likely to start following it in the next problem.  But I also do have a mentor who I meet with regularly who fills me with God’s love and wisdom.  

The challenge for this week is to be reflective on wisdom.  Wisdom is essential for everyone to thrive in life.  However, we should think about where we get this wisdom from? Are you seeking your wisdom from someone you believe to be worldly or someone who you believe is a follower of Christ and who will give you Christ centered advice?  Then the next challenge for this week is to spend time asking for advice from any Christian in the area who could give you advice on any problem you may be having.  This could be any problem from work related, family related, or friend related. Just take the time to get some insight and thoughts on how to be overall God centered wise.