Epistle of James #10 - Speaking of Wisdom

Greetings!

There are several great and important lists in the New Testament. 

There are lists of spiritual gifts - skills and abilities given by the Holy Spirit so that we can do the work of the Church and kingdom. Such lists are found in various places, and none of them are meant to be exclusive.

There is the wonderful list of the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 4. Here the Apostle Paul compares the work of sin with the evidence of holiness, and gives us a wonderful outline of the Holy Spirit's work in transforming us into the people of God. "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." (Galatians 4:22-23) This fruit is the outward evidence of the inward reality of a changed heart in Christ.

In James 3, we are given another list, that is a companion with the lists of spiritual gifts and the fruit of the Spirit. Here we are told what true Godly wisdom looks like. In much the same way as Paul compares the fruit of the Spirit to the works of sin, James compares holy wisdom to that which is called wisdom in the world, but in reality is evidence of a carnal heart. "But the wisdom that comes from God is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere." James 3:17)

These lists serve different purposes. The lists of spiritual gifts help us understand how and where we can serve the church and others. The list of the fruit of the Spirit helps us to know how we are growing, and guides us as we purposely use spiritual practices and disciplines to train and grow mature. 

This final list, the list of the attribute of Godly wisdom and maturity, helps us to be wise as we choose whom we shall follow. As Christians we will be tempted to follow those who seem wise in the ways of the world, what James describes as "wisdom that does not come from above, but is unspiritual and of the Enemy. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and every evil practice." (James 3:15-16) As folllowers of Christ, we must only follow those who demonstrate the wisdom and maturity that comes from God. 

Grace and peace,

Mike