When we follow “human wisdom” (using our own short-sighted judgment) we rarely find ourselves at peace. Because human wisdom is not derived from the light and love of God it is usually motivated by fear, anxiety, anger, and selfishness. Those emotions produce restlessness, and as a result our lives become disorderly (chaotic). We can even spread chaos to others if we are not careful. But when we follow God’s wisdom, even when it doesn’t make sense to us, even when it goes against our own feelings and personal judgments, we find completely the opposite: peace. See James 3:15-18 (below).
It is difficult to follow the counsel of James when we are in crises. But it is exactly WHEN we are in crises that we need to, by the power of the Spirit of Jesus living in us, choose to follow the Spirit, whatever the cost.
If we want peace we must be gentle, reasonable, full of mercy, unwavering, and not hypocritical. Of course, this is quite difficult and we must be attached to the vine (John 15:4) in order to follow James’ exhortation. But the fruit of walking with these attitudes is always peace and right-ness/justice.
I have been discussing emotions with many people lately. It seems many feel guilty for ever feeling emotion as though a super-Christian should be more in control of their feelings. But we ALL feel emotions and they are not sin! Anxiety, fear, and anger—none of those FEELINGS are sin in and of themselves. But being controlled by these emotions is what gets us into trouble. God’s wisdom must be followed—His Spirit of life in us, giving us the power to say “no” to ungodly behavior and “no” to being controlled by our emotions instead of His wisdom is hard, but it must be done in order for us to know peace.
See James’ exhortation below:
“See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell. For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race. But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way. Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water? Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh.
“Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic.
“For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” James 3:5-18 NASB
When we don’t have the power to do the right thing, or even the desire, Christ can give it to us. “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed.” 2 Corinthians 9:8
By the power of the Spirit of Jesus who lives in you: extend grace today. Be merciful. Be reasonable. Know that you are loved by God.
So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.” Colossians 3:12-17 NASB
Peace & joy,
Stephanie
