LSEM > Devotions > Strengthened by Wisdom

Strengthened by Wisdom

  • June 14, 2021
  • Posted by: Carolyn Mahal
  • Category: Devotions
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Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 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, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 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 raise a harvest of righteousness. – James 2:13-18

As we live each day, we acquire a greater degree of knowledge.  This knowledge helps us to live better, to make fewer mistakes, to grow a greater appreciation of things in our lives, and to serve God in higher and more amazing ways.  But we must be careful not to confuse knowledge that we gain on earth with the wisdom that only God can impart.

As James writes, the wisdom that God provides is far different than anything we could possibly obtain from worldly sources.  The wisdom of the world is tainted by sin, but God’s wisdom is pure.  Earthly wisdom is self-centered and self-seeking, while God’s is described as considerate and submissive.  In fact, the more James goes into depth about what God gives us through His wisdom, the easier it is to see that what He provides to us is uncommon and threatening in many ways to those who do not understand what it is.

You have been blessed by God with ample amounts of worldly knowledge and wisdom that can only come from on high.  You hone and tend to your knowledge every day – putting yourself and your abilities to the test.  But the world also tests the heavenly wisdom that reigns in your life.  It pokes and prods, it tries to convince you that its ways are better, easier, and superior to those that God has laid before you.  Time and time again the world and its agents will try, but each time, your humble submission to the will of the Father in your life delivers you from the world and its glimmering mistakes.

Be strong and stand courageously against the attacks of the world and the enemy who would see you fall.  Know that God has equipped you with the strength you need to stand against the traps of worldly knowledge by submitting your life to wisdom – God’s wisdom.

 

Devotion by Richard Schumacher

LSEM Director of Programs & Services