Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – February 13, 2020
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
It seems as though everywhere we look, people claim to know the answer to every problem and ailment we face. From social media influencers to presidential candidates, everyone has an opinion on what is right, what is good, what is true. And while countless theories may be put forward and celebrated, it feels as though James’ words are as relevant today as they were when he first wrote them. “Who is wise and understanding among you?”
Wisdom is something everyone wants to claim yet few truly embody and embrace. Like faith, hope, and love, wisdom is a word that we causally and freely throw around, assuming we know what it means and how to achieve it. Yet if we are even slightly off in our calculations, like GPS coordinates that are ever so slightly misdirected, what begins as a small deviation from the way of wisdom will eventually lead us in an entirely new direction. You and I long for the good life, the life of wisdom, yet must have clarity of vision and be willing to have our hearts and lives shaped by the biblical vision of true wisdom.
According to James, wisdom is not simply a mental knowledge of the truth but it is the integration of that knowledge into the whole of our lives. Wisdom is the knowledge of God and a life lived for God. Above all else, it is a life characterized by humility. To be a Christian is to be a “little Christ,” someone who embodies the life of Jesus and the example he set for us. And according to St. Paul, this example was first and foremost defined by humility.
“And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:8).
Humility is not thinking less of yourself but it is thinking about yourself less. This is a crucial distinction. It is entirely possible to retain an appropriate sense of self-worth and dignity, rejoicing in the fact that you are made in the image of God, while at the same time exhibiting the humility of Christ to which each of us is called. We do so when we see our dignity, not as a source of pride, but a gift to be given away and the strength needed to love and serve others. As we learn to do this, day in and day out, we will discover what it means to live a good life!
Prayer
Father, teach us daily what it means to truly be wise, following Jesus’ perfect example of humility and love. Amen.
Application
What does it look like for you to pursue wisdom today, not only in word, but also in deed?
Related Reading
2 Chronicles 7:14; Colossians 3:12; 1 Peter 5:5
Post/Tweet today
Humility is not thinking less of yourself but it is thinking about yourself less. #WisdomHunters #wisdom #truth #Jesus
Worship Resource
4 minute video – Cory Asbury:
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