What is Faith? At this link, I write some thoughts. Also, here is a song about faith that I hope gives a lift to your day: Only A Mountain – Jason Castro.
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. – Hebrews 11:1
Noticed in the journey through James 3:13-18 are two types of wisdom; one from heaven that is productive and one that is earthly and destructive. Productive wisdom is obtained by asking God and believing He will give it through lessons found in the Bible, the Holy Spirit speaking deep in your heart, and experiences of both ourselves and others.
In reading the passage, I couldn’t help but remember a show called Mayberry RFD. I was just a small child when the original TV show called the Andy Griffith show aired on CBS in the 1960’s. It had great down to Earth lessons on how to handle situations. Here’s a song about the show: Whatever Happened to Mayberry by Bill Floyd.
For the Lord gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding. – Proverbs 2:6
The Holy Spirit as a dove in the Annunciation, by Philippe de Champaigne, 1644 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Within James 3:13-18 are found characteristics of two kinds of wisdom. Spiritual wisdom is exemplified by good deeds, humility, purity, and sincerity. On the other hand, worldly wisdom is depicted by envy, selfish ambition, and disorder.
To me, today’s passage tells us that it doesn’t matter how many college degrees we have or how many books we’ve read. Spiritual wisdom which comes directly from God is what we need to live an abundant life. We can obtain wisdom by asking God and believing He will give it through lessons found in the Bible, the Holy Spirit speaking deep in our heart, and experiences of both ourselves and others.
We need to keep God in our homes, in our schools, and in our lives so spiritual values can be passed on to future generations. This day with God, let us pray for spiritual wisdom and humbly accept the responsibility to train others so the next generation is prepared.
After reading in James 3:1-12, I thought about how important words are when leading. What a leader says has a big influence and can throw a society into confusion or can encourage it to greatness. Thoughts that begin in the heart proceed out of the mouth so we need special help from God to say what is right. Here’s a speech from a great leader with words that inspire and unify: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Speech – I Have a Dream.
May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer. – Psalm 19:14
Within James 3:1-12, the untamed tongue is described as being like a forest fire that starts with a small spark but then spreads out of control. It goes throughout the whole body to set the course of one’s life on fire (v. 6). Pastor Steve at my church said once in a sermon message that words are so important because they direct our life. Words may seem like a small thing but think about it, small things make a big difference; even a small child can direct a powerful horse with a small bit in its mouth.
Words are so powerful that we can change the world with expressions that are gentle and careful; words that help and encourage. Even at our work places, the Godly principles of generosity, tolerance, and kindness are spurred on by words that build up others, help gain customers, and keep each person working as a valued member of the company or organization.
As we begin a new year, let us believe each day will be amazing because God’s people are the greatest creation of all. Let us see greatness in our neighbors and pray that we treat everyone with kindness and tact.
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