Word@Work James30 - James 3:13
Published: Mon, 03/23/09
Word@Work from BeaconLight
ALL MOUTH
James 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. (NIV)
Some people are known for being 'all mouth'. They talk big but cannot deliver. There may be nothing wrong with their ideas, but they are unable to complete what they start or to produce what they promise. It is one thing to make a good impression at the interview but it is essential to be able to do the job. Some Christians are a bit like that: lots of noise in church or on councils, but when it comes to their lifestyle, you would have difficulty to know that they are believers in Jesus.
James sets a self-test for those who think that they are wise: can you do it?! When the Christians' life does not match their talk, something is wrong - either they are pretending to have a relationship with Jesus when they do not, or they have never learned how to discipline themselves to learn how to live the life of Christ. Wisdom does not come with age, intelligence or being 'street-wise'; it comes with understanding the importance of God being right, and learning how to apply that truth practically each day.
The first mark of wisdom, is the humility to accept that we cannot be right without God; to tell us what is right, and help us to do it. Pride will inevitably lead to foolish choices but wise people are humble. Humble people do not boast about what they can do or think, they are content to quietly get on with each day's work as it comes and rely on the Lord's help to make the right decisions at the right time. People like that are also real assets to any industry or profession. However lowly their job, they will be willing to do it well for Jesus' sake (cf Eph 6:5-8), and however high their job they will look to the Lord always (cf 1 Chron 16:11). Would your colleagues at work say that you are like that? If not, this prayer may be the first step to get back into line with God's wisdom.
Prayer: Dear Lord. However much I know, I cannot match your knowledge or your ability to use it rightly in every situation. Please forgive me when I think that I can manage my life without Your wisdom. Help me to reject my pride and to accept your wisdom in all things. Please show me what is right from Your Word and enable me to weigh up each situation rightly by Your Holy Spirit. Help me live this way every day at work so that I may be reliable in my job, and glorifying to You. For Jesus' sake. Amen.
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
Some people are known for being 'all mouth'. They talk big but cannot deliver. There may be nothing wrong with their ideas, but they are unable to complete what they start or to produce what they promise. It is one thing to make a good impression at the interview but it is essential to be able to do the job. Some Christians are a bit like that: lots of noise in church or on councils, but when it comes to their lifestyle, you would have difficulty to know that they are believers in Jesus.
James sets a self-test for those who think that they are wise: can you do it?! When the Christians' life does not match their talk, something is wrong - either they are pretending to have a relationship with Jesus when they do not, or they have never learned how to discipline themselves to learn how to live the life of Christ. Wisdom does not come with age, intelligence or being 'street-wise'; it comes with understanding the importance of God being right, and learning how to apply that truth practically each day.
The first mark of wisdom, is the humility to accept that we cannot be right without God; to tell us what is right, and help us to do it. Pride will inevitably lead to foolish choices but wise people are humble. Humble people do not boast about what they can do or think, they are content to quietly get on with each day's work as it comes and rely on the Lord's help to make the right decisions at the right time. People like that are also real assets to any industry or profession. However lowly their job, they will be willing to do it well for Jesus' sake (cf Eph 6:5-8), and however high their job they will look to the Lord always (cf 1 Chron 16:11). Would your colleagues at work say that you are like that? If not, this prayer may be the first step to get back into line with God's wisdom.
Prayer: Dear Lord. However much I know, I cannot match your knowledge or your ability to use it rightly in every situation. Please forgive me when I think that I can manage my life without Your wisdom. Help me to reject my pride and to accept your wisdom in all things. Please show me what is right from Your Word and enable me to weigh up each situation rightly by Your Holy Spirit. Help me live this way every day at work so that I may be reliable in my job, and glorifying to You. For Jesus' sake. Amen.
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