Spiritual Awakening: Daily Devotions for Deepening Awareness

TUESDAY, 11 JUNE 2024

TEXT: JAMES 3:1-13

1. Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers and sisters, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.

2. For all of us make many mistakes. Anyone who makes no mistakes in speaking is perfect, able to keep the whole body in check with a bridle.

3. If we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we guide their whole bodies.

4. Or look at ships: though they are so large that it takes strong winds to drive them, yet they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs.

5. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great exploits. How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire!

6. And the tongue is a fire. The tongue is placed among our members as a world of iniquity; it stains the whole body, sets on fire the cycle of nature, and is itself set on fire by hell.

7. For every species of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by the human species,

8. but no one can tame the tongue-a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

9. With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God.

10. From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this ought not to be so.

11. Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and brackish water?

12. Can a fig tree, my brothers and sisters, yield olives, or a grapevine figs? No more can salt water yield fresh.

13. Who is wise and understanding among you? Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born wisdom.

(New Revised Standard Version Holy Bible)

TOPIC: TRUE WISDOM FROM GOD

The writer opens today's text with an open challenge to Whoever claims to be wise and understands the ways of God to prove it by the way they live their life. This can be demonstrated through living an honourable life and doing good works in an attitude of humility.

An honourable person is responsible and follows what is true and godly in a way that is respectable in the community. Good works include living above reproach and practical love for members of the body of Christ while humility points to a life that focuses on God and the. provisions He makes available.

Living without God's wisdom is riddled with jealousy and selfishness and is earthly, unspiritual and demonic. The life lived through God's wisdom is identified by purity, peace, gentleness, a commitment to serve others through acts of mercy, sincerity and devoid of favouritism.

We should wake up and open ourselves to the wisdom of God.

QUESTION: Can the people around you attest that your life is guided by the wisdom of God?

PRAYER: Your honest response to the question above should guide your prayers.