Thursday, October 29, 2015

Wise Attitudes

James 3:13-18 has some resounding truths that will help us as we deal with the subject of wisdom. 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 speaks of two sets of attitudes. One focuses on negative attitudes and the other positive attitudes. He compares two lifestyles on what he calls "wisdom from above" and "wisdom that is from below.

A study on the values, attitudes, and behavior described here will help us to live wisely and “righteous” before the Lord. Worldly wisdom is described as, where you have envy and selfish ambition; there you find disorder and every evil practice. Godly wisdom is pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

What areas do you need to commit to do better in your life?