What some people consider wise, others do not. When I think about doing some extreme ministry, some people say, "That's stupid." or "You're an idiot." When I think about selling all my possessions and moving to some remote village in a third world country to share the message of everlasting life through Jesus Christ it is a very liberating thought. It may seem crazy or foolish to others or even to myself at times.
We should carefully heed the words of James (brother of Jesus) who speaks about wisdom and understanding. "Who is wise in understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom." (James 3:13)
What? Humility that comes from wisdom? Yes, the scripture clearly teaches that being humble and living in genuine humility is the fruit of wisdom. I pray that you and I will live our lives in the humility that comes from wisdom.
James continues with a warning about the wisdom of the world and of the devil. This earthly wisdom will lure us to harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition. (James 3:14-16) When I think about the words: "selfish ambition" it is very convicting. I have often been tempted to make much of myself, to boast about my accomplishments and my life. However, humility is a characteristic of God and we should always strive to be like Him.
"He [Jesus Christ] made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness, and being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross." (Philippians 2:7-8)
Today, as an act of worship, let's put aside our selfish ambition and humbly obey God, by doing whatever it is He has called each of us to do. It may mean giving something away. It may mean befriending someone of a different socio-economic class. Whatever it is do it!
Food for thought and comment: What, specifically, is God telling you to do today? What is one area where selfish ambition is a temptation or a problem for you? What is one thing you can do to live a more humble lifestyle?
We should carefully heed the words of James (brother of Jesus) who speaks about wisdom and understanding. "Who is wise in understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom." (James 3:13)
What? Humility that comes from wisdom? Yes, the scripture clearly teaches that being humble and living in genuine humility is the fruit of wisdom. I pray that you and I will live our lives in the humility that comes from wisdom.
James continues with a warning about the wisdom of the world and of the devil. This earthly wisdom will lure us to harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition. (James 3:14-16) When I think about the words: "selfish ambition" it is very convicting. I have often been tempted to make much of myself, to boast about my accomplishments and my life. However, humility is a characteristic of God and we should always strive to be like Him.
"He [Jesus Christ] made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness, and being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross." (Philippians 2:7-8)
Today, as an act of worship, let's put aside our selfish ambition and humbly obey God, by doing whatever it is He has called each of us to do. It may mean giving something away. It may mean befriending someone of a different socio-economic class. Whatever it is do it!
Food for thought and comment: What, specifically, is God telling you to do today? What is one area where selfish ambition is a temptation or a problem for you? What is one thing you can do to live a more humble lifestyle?
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