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THE OUTWARD EXPRESSION OF WISDOM

Dear COA Family,

Many of us seek wisdom to live our lives well.

Youths whom I speak to want to know what schools they should apply for and what to do for their future. Married couples want to know how to build their marriages. Parents want to know how to educate and discipline their children. Professionals seek to know how to navigate the complex circumstances in their workplaces.

And we all need God’s wisdom for such endeavours.

James gives us God’s promise for getting wisdom from him:
If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” James 1:5.

When we think about wisdom, frequently it is the content of wisdom that comes to mind.

For example, wisdom is often considered as deeper knowledge in any subject matter, whether child rearing or fixing a car. This knowledge then brings us greater insight into the many factors contributing to a certain situation or the reasons why another person is behaving the way he or she is.

Yet godly wisdom is not simply a cognitive understanding but godly behaviour!

The apostle James continues:
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.” James 3:13.

We may have the greatest possible knowledge on a subject matter or the greatest insight into a complex problem, but if we speak or behave with a critical, judgmental or hateful spirit and demeanour, then it is not godly wisdom. Instead, that is worldly wisdom and its source is demonic.

Let us all be filled with godly wisdom, which is “first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere” (James 3:17).

Let us strive not only to understand things better, but also to live our lives according to way of God’s wisdom.

Revd Ian