Worship Ministry - September 2024
Wisdom and Peace
Why is living peacefully so hard? Why is it so easy to get irritated or angry at someone? Whether it be conflict with your neighbor over a fence line, someone cutting in line at the store or how other people drive, it is so easy for us to give in to our self-righteous anger. I know I am quick to yell at the car next to me during the morning commute, and I am sure you could make a list of things that get under your skin.
“But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without pretense. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who cultivate peace.” James 3:17-18
As we live our lives, we must seek Christ and all that is good in Him. We seek His wisdom and pure heart. We desire His strength and humility. His righteousness! We know this, but doing it with a steadfast heart is a bigger task. We give way to our flesh and worldly desires, and then we try to redeem ourselves through our own strength and
works - as if that’s even possible. Has God not made it clear to us where we should find wisdom, strength, and peace? We must remember to turn to the Lord, not just first but God alone. It is only God that can make us righteous and holy, turn to no one else but Him.
“God’s Wisdom produces that which is right, that which is pleasing and honoring to God, and that which is good for the people of God.” - David Platt (Christ-Centered Exposition commentary) When it comes to choosing between God’s wisdom and our own, choosing God’s is never followed with regret. We are never left wishing that we'd gone a different direction when we decide to follow God’s Word and Will. Seeking and following God’s wisdom brings us peace! “The peacemakers are blessed, for they will be called sons of God” (Matt 5:9)
Have you ever tried picking a restaurant to eat at with a group of people? It’s like pulling teeth to get everyone to decide on one place. This is true for all aspects of our lives! Life would be easy except that there are other people in the world who make it difficult; however, as we walk with Christ there can be peace through Christ. A.W. Tozer wrote, “As long as you set yourself up as a little god to which you must be loyal, how can you hope to find inward peace.” We can’t find peace when we rely on ourselves or anyone other than God.
As we desire Christ, we desire His wisdom and peace for He too desires these things for us. “Peace is what God desires in our relationships, our homes, and our churches.” David Platt (Christ-Centered Exposition commentary)
“5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting....” James 1:5-6a
Ask the Lord for His wisdom and peace! In those times of frustration or trouble, stop and pray that He would guide you and give you a heart and mind like Christ’s. Rely on Him alone!