But the wisdom from above is full of mercy and good fruits
James 3:17 (ESV)
Whatever you’re full of tends to come out.
You cannot give what you have not got. It is no surprise, then, that when it comes to the wisdom that we operate by there are different products that emerge from what we’re full of. We explored what it’s like to be merciful because of the wisdom that comes from above. That great quality of mercy does not operate on its own. It’s just as much about what we do and produce as what we forgive and not allow. Mercy expresses the latter – the good works is where we get to the former part.
Heavenly wisdom is full of good works – take a minute to consider that. What builds people, what encourages people, what corrects people, what enables people to live in a peaceful, merciful and compassionate way is generated from and a product of the wisdom that comes from heaven. It is heavenly wisdom that made the world and everything in it and on reflection, the Creator said it was all very good. It is heavenly wisdom that constructs the best institution for humans to grow and prosper. It is heavenly wisdom that brings people together, allows them to recognise and celebrate each other’s gifts and abilities. It is heavenly wisdom that sees what is going wrong and establishes ways and means to address it. all of these things are the products – the fruit of heavenly wisdom. Heavenly wisdom produces good because it is good and is sourced in the ultimate expression of good. Everything possible that could be done to encourage, inspire, motivate, build and sustain what is right, true, noble, pure and beautiful is a product of heavenly wisdom.
In contrast, the wisdom that comes from below at best comes up with the facade of good, but in essence, perpetuates all the shades of corruption and wickedness that stains the world. Greed, lust, violence and neglect are the products of the wisdom that comes from the world. When I say all shades, that really does include a wide array of habits, behaviours and activities, some of which have come acceptable and laudable parts of everyday life. Yet when viewed in the light of what’s right, it can never be seen as truly good.
There is no doubt about that when it comes to the product of what comes from above. The evidence is seen in the one who embodied heavenly wisdom – the Son of God. All He did was good – teaching people, giving them the good news, feeding people, healing them of diseases, restoring people and giving them life when all they knew was death. He was full of good fruits and it was evident that those that followed Him had the same effect on the earth. These men and women formed communities of love and grace whose merciful lifestyle lent itself to the compliment of good works. History is full of the fruit of the men and women who operated by heavenly wisdom. Care services, teaching services, relational services, development services – a wide range of expressions of wonderful things that enriched, nurtured, nourished and cherished life because of Jesus who showed the way to live.
It’s a hallmark of this heavenly wisdom that you’re full of mercy and you’re full of good and whatever you’re full of will come out.
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 