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)
People cannot look into the hearts of others and judge motives. However, Jesus stated people can be known by their fruit. (i.e. Matthew 7:15-16; Luke 6:44-45) Since a tree that is bad cannot bear good fruit we must be mindful of what is at the core of our life. Have we allowed our life to be “rooted” in the things of God or the things of the world? What does the fruit reveal?
Psalms begins with the following focus.
“(1) Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; (2) but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. (3) He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.” (Psalm 1:1-3 ESV)
The psalmist went on to point out how different the picture is for the wicked. To bear good fruit we must remain connected to the life-giving vine (John 15:4-5), bearing in mind it is the Father’s Will and to His glory that we “bear much fruit”. (John 15:8) This fruit is the very thing which reveals we are the Lord’s disciples.
To accept the wisdom of God is not going to leave us with an empty life. His wisdom will prove to be very fruitful intellectually, physically, socially, and spiritually. God’s wisdom has something for every aspect of our life. His wisdom reaches to our whole being as we submit our life to Him as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1) lived to His glory. This would be in great contrast to worldly wisdom which would merely cause one to be conformed to the standards of this world. (Romans 12:2)
If the wisdom of God is alive within us, good spiritual fruit will be evident. May we live in such a way that the world will be able to taste the sweetness of the wisdom from above!
Have a great day LIVING AS A DISCIPLE OF JESUS!
Carl
