As a kingdom leader, you’ve been invited to get in touch with God’s wisdom. In James 1:5, Scripture says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men liberally and without criticism, and it will be given to him.” So how do we lean into the heavenly wisdom available to us? On one of the latest episodes of the Pinnacle Leaders Podcast on Charisma Podcast Network, I shared a recent message I preached at Liberty Church in Pensacola, Florida, explaining what the book of James teaches about living from God’s wisdom.
To understand the importance of living according to God’s wisdom, it’s helpful to have insight into what happens in the absence of wisdom. According to James 3:14-16:
“But if you have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, do not boast and do not lie against the truth. This wisdom descends not from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, and devilish. For where there is envying and strife, there is confusion and every evil work.”
So, what is wisdom? Here are six attributes of God’s wisdom that will help you navigate life biblically, even in the midst of chaotic times:
1. The wise cultivate a pure heart. James 3:17a states, “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure.” Although purity doesn’t mean that we’re expected to be perfect, it does mean that we need to have a genuine desire to love and please God.
2. The wise love peace. James 1:20 states, “the anger of man does not work the righteousness of God.” Further, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men liberally and without criticism, and it will be given to him.”
3. The wise are considerate. Remember the old adage, “People don’t care that you know until they know that you care.” Part of heavenly wisdom is understanding. Solomon asked God not for wisdom but for an understanding heart. We need understanding in the day and the hour in which we live.
4. The wise are willing to yield, or submit. A lot can be accomplished when we’re willing to yield our way to the possibilities of another way. Wisdom that comes down from above is submissive, or willing to yield.
5. The wise minimize the mistakes of others. Scripture states that “love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Pet. 4:8b). Wisdom is full of mercy and good fruit. In James 2:13b, we learn that “mercy triumphs over judgement.”
6. The wise are authentic. Be honest; you can’t be wise and hide at the same time. Ask yourself if there’s something in your life that you’re hiding.
Becoming familiar with these attributes of wisdom will help you discern whether the wisdom you’re following is worldly, natural wisdom or wisdom from above. God wants us to walk in wisdom, so we can be “peacemakers who sow in peace” and “reap a harvest of righteousness” (James 3:18).
Subscribe to the Pinnacle Leaders Podcast with Dr. Langley to learn more about this topic and others containing biblical wisdom on the areas of lordship, leadership and lifestyle. {eoa}
Dr. Randal S. Langley is the president and CEO of Christian Life School of Theology Global, a world leader in theological and leadership education, providing online degree programs and customized Christian higher-education solutions for churches, ministries and other organizations. Dr. Langley is also president of the International Association of Bible Colleges and Seminaries and is a founding partner and certified life coach, teacher and trainer for the John C. Maxwell Team. His desire is to help people fulfill their ultimate purpose in life and achieve their God-given dreams.
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