James exhorted. . .
“(17) But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” (James 3:17 ESV)
The Greek word translated “open to reason” is “eupeithes” (“eu”, well, and “peithomai”, “to obey” or “to be persuaded”) and refers to being “ready to obey” and “compliant.” Some translations use the word “submissive.”
Worldly wisdom often encourages not letting anything (or anyone) stand in one’s way from what “they” want to do. The world also misunderstands submissiveness as a sign of weakness rather than the essence of the heart of a servant.
Wisdom from above softens the heart to make it first of all submissively obedient to the Will of God and thus readying the life to be offered in submissive service to others. It enables us to obey and serve, not reluctantly, but easily because we love and know we are loved. It is a wisdom revealed in a life always compliant and yielding to God’s Will regardless of ever-changing standards of society. It is a wisdom continually made evident as we live with a servant heart!
Many in the world, in their stubborn arrogance, live as if they always have to prove themselves as being something grand. This is often accomplished by demanding to be served rather than serving. However, remember as Jesus prepared to wash the disciples’ feet, John revealed that Jesus knew Who He was (John 13:3), but He modeled what love was all about through the demonstration of a spirit of submissive service in washing the disciples’ feet.
As Jesus walked through His ministry on earth, He remained readily obedient and submissive to the Divine plan all the way! (John 14:31) His obedient submission to the Father’s Will is also noted in His prayer in the garden (Luke 22:42) prior to His arrest and crucifixion.
Do we feel we have something to prove about ourselves? Let us simply obediently submit to God’s Will and continue to daily exhibit the willing heart of a servant of God, knowing that “wisdom is proved right or “is justified by her deeds.” (Matthew 11:19 ESV)
Have a great day KNOWING WHOSE WE ARE!
Carl
