HOW DOES WISDOM CHANGE YOUR LIFE?

BIBLE PASSAGE:
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 3:17)

MEDITATION:
Have you ever met someone who seemed to have a lot of wisdom,
but unfortunately, they also have a lot of arrogance. Exceptional
skills, above average intelligence, and impressive wisdom can
sometimes create an unhealthy egotism in people.

Instead of being humble and grateful for how God has blessed
them in a special way, some will forget about God and become
independent admirers of themselves. They overlook the fact
that their assets were given to them by our Creator.

Godly wisdom, however, has a much
different effect on those blessed with it.
    Instead of developing an abrasive personality, they discover and
    appreciate how good qualities have become a part of ‘who they are’.

    Instead of looking for arguments or debates to
    show off their wisdom, they become peace lovers.

    Instead of being rude and indignant toward others, they develop
    a new appreciation for others and care about them in a new way.

    Instead of being arrogant and egotistical, they become humble
    and submissive because they appreciate how their wisdom was
    a gift from their heavenly Father who expects them to use their
    wisdom for glorifying Him, and not themselves.

    Instead of becoming independent and thinking they don’t have
    a need for God, they become dependent on Him even more. Why?
    Because they realize how He has blessed them and how He can
    help them use the Godly wisdom they have received.

    Instead of being unforgiving of others, they
    become merciful with a forgiving heart and attitude.

    Instead of holding grudges, they become less selfish and
    realize the importance of having good relationships with
    others.

    Instead of leading people away from God,
    they have a desire to point them to Jesus.

    Instead of being prejudiced, they learn the value of impartiality
    and no longer consider one person more important than another.

    Instead of being dishonest and having a reputation of telling
    falsehoods, they become more honest and sincere in the things
    they say and do.

    Instead of being selfish, they look for opportunities to use
    their wisdom to help them find ways of doing selfless things
    which can benefit others and lift their spirits. They become
    outwardly focused as a replacement for a selfish attitude.

    Instead of absorbing and relishing the praise from others for their
    wisdom, they re-direct the praise to God, who gave them what they have.

When God gives us Godly wisdom, He gives us much more than we
could have ever expected. Along with wisdom, He gives us an entirely
new personality with a new attitude. God shows us how to become
meek and humble with a desire to be loving and gentle to others.

ACTION:
Ask yourself:
    – Do I have wisdom from heaven?
       If not, would I like to have Godly
       wisdom with all the additional benefits?

The scriptures tell us what we should look
for when deciding if we have Godly wisdom.
    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)

When the term “good life” is used, it is referring to the kind
of life benefits others, as opposed to a selfishness the seeks to
please self. It is a life that looks for opportunities to encourage
and lift the spirits of others (the kind of action that will please
God, and themselves). It’s a life that is sensitive to the needs of
others and a desire to let them know they are important and
loved.

We are also told what we should do,
if we want to have Godly wisdom.
    If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God,
    who gives generously to all without finding fault,
    and it will be given to you.
    (James 1:5)
Godly wisdom is available to those who are a part of
God’s family, but James tells us we should ask for it.

We might wonder why we should ask for it. It could be because
we need to prove to ourselves that we have a genuine desire for
Godly wisdom and when we receive it, we will never forget that
we were blessed by God with this special gift we requested from
Him.

Pray,
“Heavenly Father, I now understand the value of having wisdom
that comes from Heaven. Not only will it provide me with an ability
to better understand Your Word, but it will also give me a desire to
share it with others. In addition, I know that my entire life will be
changed for the better. I will be able to encourage and lift the spirits
of others and bring a calmness to tense situations. I will understand
the importance of thinking more about others and their value as a
creation of Yours. I ask You, Father, to bless me with this kind of
wisdom so I can be an effective servant of Yours.”

BLOG: utvolwoody.wordpress.com