Today in church, Pastor Sumrall’s sermon reminded me of the importance of setting God’s wisdom as a guide for our actions, ensuring that we become a blessing to others. Because as a follower of Jesus, we must bring glory and honor to the Name of the Lord, not profane it. And we often dishonor the Name of the Lord through how we relate with other people.
So, here’s James 3:13-18 (AMP) as our go-to action filter:
13 Who among you is wise and intelligent? Let him by his good conduct show his [good] deeds with the gentleness and humility of true wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not be arrogant, and [as a result] be in defiance of the truth. 15 This [superficial] wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly (secular), natural (unspiritual), even demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder [unrest, rebellion] and every evil thing and morally degrading practice. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure [morally and spiritually undefiled], then peace-loving [courteous, considerate], gentle, reasonable [and willing to listen], full of compassion and good fruits. It is unwavering, without [self-righteous] hypocrisy [and self-serving guile]. 18 And the seed whose fruit is righteousness (spiritual maturity) is sown in peace by those who make peace [by actively encouraging goodwill between individuals].
What do I mean with “action filter?”
I define it as a set of standards we can use to base our actions/responses and behaviors and assess whether they are motivated by godly wisdom, earthly, or even demonic.
jessa 