UNPACK THAT!

"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."  James 3:17

 

How to think?  How did you come to think and believe what you think?  When Scripture says, "of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks" (Luke 6:45), it becomes apparent at the root of our beings is conviction.  What we think determines who we are and what we do.

Since we are women we have LOTS of ideas and opinions about stuff!  But what (gasp) if our opinions are wrong?  They must be built on something.

Let's unpack what James it telling us about wisdom.  Our thinking should be...

*Pure:  When I come into a conversation, situation, or relationship I should approach it with a humble posture.  My thoughts should be without voices of 'my rights, my time, my voice to be heard.'  There is no room for selfishness when we are aiming for purity.

*Gentle:  When I approach a dynamic I should first pause and reflect.  Gentleness comes from reflecting on a situation first before leaping-give some real thought to the matter, seek counsel when necessary.  Think first of the other person and their heart, how can I be a catalyst for Christ?  Gentleness speaks the truth in love, which is a very brave thing to do!!!!  Gentleness and bravery, who'd a thunk it? 

*Peaceable:  When are you most at peace?  When we rest in God and His Word our very souls are at peace.  Jesus is the lamb of God, that is a picture of peace.  Knowing God is right by our side and that we are not alone is comforting.  The Holy Spirit is our Comforter.  

*Full of Mercy:  "I'll get you my pretty!" insert the Wicked Witch of the West here and you get the OPPOSITE of mercy.  In your heart want to make amends, don't try to be 'right', that just leads to puffed up pride.  Impart forgiveness, abundantly.  Remember that you were bought with a price of God's Son.  Be an extension of His mercy.

*Full of good fruits:  Instead of focusing of the sin or the sinner, see the brokenness of that person who is trapped and in bondage no doubt.  Spiritual warfare is real and true, be a warrior equipped with good fruits.  Anyone can see the wrong or the negative-that is easy.  Strive to take the time to mend and rebuild or mentor and disciple.  We are to invest in each other, not throw up walls and barricades.  Our fruit gets squawshed when we withdraw from one another and distance ourselves so we can 'protect' our hearts.  God our protector, he will take care of us.  "We give no offense in anything, that our ministry may not be blamed.  But in all things we commend ourselves as ministers of God:  in much patience, in tribulations, in needs, in distresses, in stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in fastings; by purity, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love, by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness..."2 Corinthians 6: 3-7.

*Without partiality:  God does not make exceptions.  He favors his creation, for we are made in His image.  He is the judge.  So move over and let him be the Commander of your ship.  Pray that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus (Phil 1:9-11).

*Without hypocrisy:  Have you ever heard the expression, 'There by the grace of God go I'?  I am every woman!  I am Rahab, I am Esther, I am Jezebel, I am Leah...  If you can't relate to someone, imagine walking in their shoes with their luggage and upbringing.  Let love be without hypocrisy.  Don't knit-pic your loved ones away, YOU are not perfect either!  Have regard for good things in the sight of everyone. (Romans 13: 9, 17)

If you just read over verse 17 without unpacking it then you are missing out on some liquid gold.  These are just some thoughts about applying the scripture in our lives.  Thank goodness God is a master gardener and is busy pruning us so that we can walk in righteousness.  On my own, I am a mess!  Messed up thinking, messed up relationships, and messed up living!  Glean from the harvest and may it return to you a hundred fold!

Faithfully Yours,

E.W.