Cultivating Heavenly Wisdom: A Guide for Church Leaders
James 3:17
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
It is with regret that there is not enough room on this page to expound thoroughly upon this verse; nonetheless, we shall give it some consideration. Allow me to address those who are in positions of leadership in the church, who find themselves often giving advice and counsel. Hopefully, much of what we share with others has been taught to us by the Holy Spirit; however, perhaps a great portion of what we share has also been passed down by other men (or women) in our lives.
What is important is that when we give counsel, it should measure up to the standards of our text. Quickly, notice with me all of the elements found in true wisdom that is from above: first, it is pure. This speaks to its lack of contamination caused by the erroneous words and wills of sinful men. Let us not allow our advice to be tainted by our own personal opinions or agendas.
Second, it is peaceable. It should be guided by a determination not to prove a point, but to make peace with an otherwise offended party. Third, it is gentle. We shouldn’t come across as careless, heartless, harsh, or arrogant when speaking the truth. It should be done in such a way that the hearer is as convinced of our love, as they are convinced that we speak the truth.
Fourth, it should be easily intreatable. We should have such a Christ-like spirit that those we care for spiritually would never feel as if we are too difficult to approach. We should be a safe place for them to come and get wisdom; a place where they know they’ll be cared for and not condemned.
Fifth, full of mercy and good fruits. We should be merciful, and we should be fruit bearers, not fruit destroyers. Sixth, without partiality. There is no place to play favorites in the Kingdom of God. What is good for one is good for all. Do not give different advice to different people depending upon how much you like them.
Seventh, and lastly, without hypocrisy. Although we are not going to be perfect, let us not relax in that reality! We cannot afford the luxury of being sloppier in our own walk with God than what we advise others to do. Otherwise, we become the fool!
~ Pastor Gary Caudill
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
It is with regret that there is not enough room on this page to expound thoroughly upon this verse; nonetheless, we shall give it some consideration. Allow me to address those who are in positions of leadership in the church, who find themselves often giving advice and counsel. Hopefully, much of what we share with others has been taught to us by the Holy Spirit; however, perhaps a great portion of what we share has also been passed down by other men (or women) in our lives.
What is important is that when we give counsel, it should measure up to the standards of our text. Quickly, notice with me all of the elements found in true wisdom that is from above: first, it is pure. This speaks to its lack of contamination caused by the erroneous words and wills of sinful men. Let us not allow our advice to be tainted by our own personal opinions or agendas.
Second, it is peaceable. It should be guided by a determination not to prove a point, but to make peace with an otherwise offended party. Third, it is gentle. We shouldn’t come across as careless, heartless, harsh, or arrogant when speaking the truth. It should be done in such a way that the hearer is as convinced of our love, as they are convinced that we speak the truth.
Fourth, it should be easily intreatable. We should have such a Christ-like spirit that those we care for spiritually would never feel as if we are too difficult to approach. We should be a safe place for them to come and get wisdom; a place where they know they’ll be cared for and not condemned.
Fifth, full of mercy and good fruits. We should be merciful, and we should be fruit bearers, not fruit destroyers. Sixth, without partiality. There is no place to play favorites in the Kingdom of God. What is good for one is good for all. Do not give different advice to different people depending upon how much you like them.
Seventh, and lastly, without hypocrisy. Although we are not going to be perfect, let us not relax in that reality! We cannot afford the luxury of being sloppier in our own walk with God than what we advise others to do. Otherwise, we become the fool!
~ Pastor Gary Caudill