Wisdom from above (James 6) (James 3:13-18, Matt 6:33, Luke 6:38, Zechariah 4:6)

"Bunnies are so meek"

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

This part of James is a little kinder so we can all take a breath and relax.

James 3:13-18

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. 

I imagine this as someone who works quietly behind the scenes.  It's a good listener who doesn't interrupt when someone is trying to talk.  A person who focusses on what's going on around them, praying for guidance and inspiration.

14 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. 

So... the wrong approach to being a Christian is to set out to be the best Christian on earth and seek out all the top positions in the Church. : )  That's not really what God had in mind when He sent Jesus.  We're not to be boasters, seeking what we want first.  

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matt 6:33

For me, it's like emptying myself and my desires out.  Then I silently pray, "I am Your servant Lord, guide me in your will."  That's when the great stuff begins.  Sometimes it takes a bit to get there.

I mentioned before about stopping to visit an elderly woman who was playing with her dog.  Our friendship has blossomed.  I took a picture of "Bochi," her dog.  So I made a print and left it on her door, because she wasn't home.  I messed up and put the wrong phone number and we both kept missing each other after that.  So I finally went over to her house to check up on her.  I found out she loved the photo.  We sat and talked for awhile.  I told her some of my story and she told me about her family.  We had a great time.  The Lord must've put this desire in my heart because I normally wouldn't think of it.  I just said, "Here's my phone number (the right one).  Feel free to call me if you feel scared or need help.  I'm right here in the neighborhood."

She was so relieved and smiled real big.  Barbara had recently had a knee replacement, and is recuperating before she has the other knee replaced.  Her family lives near by but not in the same housing development.

Now here's another mystery.  As we were talking, she told me that her son is very busy in leadership of a local museum.  She is going to talk to him about my doing a photo exhibit there...  Ok, that was definitely a God enhanced moment!  He is full of surprises.

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
Luke 6:38

I can testify that this is definitely true.  I've experienced it so many times.  Sometimes His blessings are financial, a new friend who makes your day, healing, or new direction.  He knows exactly what we need, He is God after all : )

17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. 18 Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
I want to be like this.  No worries though, no one is perfect.  And His plan is to help us become the people we were created to be.  

 ...'Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the LORD Almighty.
Zechariah 4:6

NKJV