But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, free of hypocrisy. – James 3:17
How do you discern what is true and what is false? In an age of constant media streams, we receive a lot of information about our world, a lot of tips about being a parent, even instructions on how to live as a Christian, all from one small device. Too often, our standard for discernment is ourselves: what sounds right to us, what lines up with our interpretation of Scripture, and who we agree with. We use our own filters of beliefs, convictions, and experiences to guide our “wisdom.”
James said we are to seek “wisdom from above.” Wisdom is more than correct answers or even correct interpretations of Scripture; it is words and actions that represent Christ instead of lifting up ourselves and our ways. Seeking discernment is to be done with great care and prayer. When we decide what wisdom to follow, we cannot take the easy way out. We are to look at the fruit in the lives of those whose wisdom we follow. We are called to look deeper, desiring that our words and actions represent the Savior we follow.
- What has been your process of judging wisdom? How is that similar and different to how James instructs us to discern wisdom?
- What happens when we take shortcuts in discernment? What are some of the shortcuts you have made in seeking wisdom?
- Pray and thank God for His willingness to lead us into wisdom and truth.
