Pursuing the Purity of Wisdom

Scripture: 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 ... But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. James 3:13,17

Observation: James clarifies the kind of life that is produced by wisdom by discussing two different types of wisdom. First, he clarifies that wisdom produced a "good life" in which someone does good deeds. However, he then states that some people can do this while still being selfish, boastful, and lying, and therefore their wisdom is "demonic" (or we may say, earthly) and does not come from heaven. Wisdom from heaven has clear qualities, which James outlines.

Note that the first quality of heavenly wisdom is "pure". It is a wisdom that produces a pursuit of the Lord's precepts and guidance and obedience. From there, it assumes qualities that can be more visible on earth, but certainly don't often sound like 'wisdom'. People might appreciate someone who is peace-loving, considerate, sincere, and merciful, however they often look down upon those who are submissive, and now days even 'impartial' is considered bad because you're supposed to have a strong position on every issue.

Application: For years, I know I was none of the above when it comes to fruit of the spirit. Now days, while I sometimes talk with opinions, I am much more peace-loving, considerate, merciful, impartial, and even submissive than I used to be. No, I'm nowhere near good enough in any of these, I'm only saying I am improving.

What I am NOT is pure.

I remain so sin-filled - and so unable to just keep my mind and my heart focused on the precepts of the Lord and teaching of Jesus - that it's as if my heart truly is made of stone, totally impenetrable to the spirit. And I mean it with every fiber within me when I say, I hate this about myself. It is probably the number one reason why, when I look at myself, I know myself to be a fraud and a failure. I want to be 'wise' but I fail at step one, and certainly that is because I fail to allow the Holy Spirit to work within me. I ask the spirit to give me more strength and wisdom, then push the spirit away over and over again.

That said ... despite how frustrated and disappointed I am in myself ... I will not stop pursuing wisdom. I will not stop pursuing becoming better, and desiring the Holy Spirit to work within me. Even as I reach the final quarter of my life, I will desire to be better in the eyes of the Lord, and to be a better disciple of Jesus.

Prayer: Lord, in the name of Jesus I ask, please give me more wisdom by your Holy Spirit, so I may become more pure, more obedient, living a life in line with your precepts. Amen.