Are you a good driver?
My guess is that if you’re a driver, you answered “yes”. We consider ourselves to be above average drivers.
Older drivers might appeal to their years of driving experience. Younger drivers might appeal to their fast reaction times or familiarity with the latest road rules.
Younger drivers can be dangerous in their over-confidence just as older drivers can be dangerous in their stubbornness.
But who would claim to be a bad driver or lack driving skills? That’s like saying you’re a danger not only to yourself but to your passengers, other drivers and even pedestrians!
Just as “all of us” are above average drivers, I wonder if all of us would claim to be wise.
Like driving, wisdom could be measured by years of experience. Or we might use measures like “being a good bloke”, showing empathy or having common sense.
And who would claim to lack wisdom? That’s like saying you’re foolish, ignorant or weak.
But the biblical author James gives us an accurate assessment and solution.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
James 1:5
James says not all Christians are wise by the right measure of wisdom. James describes two types of wisdom: the wisdom of the world, and the wisdom from heaven above (James 3:15-17).
Worldly wisdom is marked by bitter envy, selfish ambition, boasting, fights & quarrels (3:14, 4:1). It’s common place today not only online but in workplaces, governments and sporting grounds.
But James says such “wisdom” has no place amongst Christians but is earthly, unspiritual and demonic (3:15).
What hope is there if we’ve fallen for such dangerous wisdom of the world, flesh & devil?
We should ask God (1:5).
God gives wisdom generously (1:5). God gives every good and perfect gift (1:17). God gives more grace (4:6).
The Christians’ wisdom is shown not in boasting and bitterness, but humility and meekness (3:13; 4:6-10)
The world laughs at meekness as being pushover. But God has embodied meekness in the heart of His Son the Lord Jesus.
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle [literally meek] and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.“
Matthew 11:29
God has given us His Son. And he gives more grace even when we fall for the worldly wisdom.
It’s dangerous to consider ourselves better drivers than we are. It’s very dangerous for Christians to count ourselves wise by the world’s standard.
But James gives us accurate assessment and solution.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
James 1:5
Jon Baird | Sunday Assistant
