But the wisdom from above is … peace loving
James 3:17 (NLT)
What makes for peace?
Not what makes for a quiet life. Not what makes for a convenient arrangement that gives minimal hassle. Not what makes for maximum profit no matter the cost. No. The question that underpins godly wisdom is: What makes for peace?
In outlining heavenly wisdom and its outcome, peace plays a fundamental part. It is the hallmark of children of God.
How does that work? It requires a vision of Jesus our Peace. A vision of the garden He made for humanity to be in harmony with the Creator and creation. A vision of who He was as He walked the earth expressing God’s kind of peace. A vision of what He did when He made peace between us and our heavenly Father. A vision of what He established when His people gathered together, received His Spirit and spread a message that turned enemies into family.
That kind of vision helps to inform the decisions we make. That kind of vision is the source for a wisdom that is not about revenge but restoration. That kind of vision is the source for a wisdom that is not about looking better than others, but about what will make others better. That heavenly wisdom does not ignore injustice. That heavenly wisdom does not overlook unfair grievances and gross mistreatment. That heavenly wisdom engages with it and seeks to do whatever makes for peace – even if that decision arouses a reaction from others that opposes that peace.
You’ve had a long day and it’s been rough. You get home, only to get what appears to be more issues. It would be easy to get irritable. Some would understand it if you got short and annoyed. Yet at this time, the wisdom from above would still cut in to consider what would make for peace. Irritation and anoyance expressed does not breed an outcome of harmony and open co-operation. It’s not easy when it’s not natural, that’s why focus on the Father is essential as He generously gives that wisdom as He shares that vision of what makes for peace.
This kind of wisdom is at odds with the wisdom of the world that prefers self-preservation to harmony. This kind of wisdom is at odds with the wisdom of the world that prefers self-justification to what truly builds bridges of understanding. This kind of wisdom does not mesh well with what the world offers as it prefers to dominate through imposition and intimidation rather than sacrifice to repair on righteous lines.
Consider rejecting the world’s idea of wisdom and make a difference on earth by embracing the wisdom from above that answers the question:
What makes for peace?
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
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