James 3
"Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the humility of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace." - James 3:13-18
James has a lot to say about wisdom. Perhaps we could call his epistle the Proverbs of the New Testament.
There are two types of wisdom. One is earthly; the other is heavenly. Earthly wisdom is characterised by jealousy, selfish ambition, disorder, and vileness. Heavenly wisdom is characterised by purity, peace, gentleness, openness to reason, mercy, good fruits, impartiality, and sincerity.
Wise people are peacemakers who sow peace and produce a harvest of righteousness.
There are several failing marriages and homes breaking down around us right now. God is motivating me to become more adept at marriage and family counseling and teaching life skills. My dad, Phil Coleman, a motivational speaker, has taught thousands of people goal-setting and other skills, and I am following in his footsteps.
When we teach people practical skills how to manage oneself, how to treat one's spouse, how to raise children, and how to resolve conflict peaceably, we are acting as heavenly peacemakers and, hopefully, producing a harvest of righteousness that will reverberate though many generations, if Jesus does not return. It is worth investing in people and helping them to develop skills that will help them not just survive but thrive.
Father, give us heavenly wisdom and peacemaking skills so that a harvest of righteousness may be produced. In particular, help the families who are in crisis mode at the moment. May these conflicts be resolved through heavenly wisdom. In Jesus' name, amen.
- Jeff Coleman