The Path of Peace

The Scriptures refer to several kinds of peace.  There is peace with God, which relates to salvation (Rom. 5:1).  Then there is the peace of God, which relates to prayerfully trusting the Lord with our circumstances (Phil. 4:7).  The Bible also mentions peace with the brethren and our fellowman (1Thess. 5:13; Col. 3:15).  This is where James is concentrating his energy in this passage. That is building peace into our relationship or walking together in peace. Once again we will see how the exercise of godly wisdom actually leads to peaceful interchanges and interactivity. In the cases where someone was able to bring about peace to a volatile situation, and on a personal level, they spoke with wisdom to secure harmony. This kind of proactivity or leadership is necessary weather the type of peace is political, professional, or interpersonal.  As believers in Jesus Christ, we should be Peace-makers (Matt. 5:9). James gives us a thorough look at how godly wisdom leads to interpersonal peace. 

Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. 14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. 15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. 16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. (James 3:13–18, KJV)

What Is The Test Of True Wisdom? (Js. 3:13)

Before we can appreciate the application of godly wisdom, it would be helpful to review what it is. Actually, the test of true wisdom is an active humility. As James continues his instructions, he focuses on the subject of healthy spiritual wisdom, contrasting it with a lower wisdom which in reality is not wisdom at all. Although his instructions are beneficial for all of God’s people, his topic is decidedly aimed at teachers or leaders. And who does not expect their teachers and leaders to be people deeply influence by godly wisdom? They above all people should be wise and knowledgeable. Merely claiming to be wise and filled with holy insight is grossly inadequate. We must live in goodness and meekness toward God and others (Js. 3:13).  The solution for the problem of interpersonal conflict is to seek and secure divine wisdom (Js. 1:5).

The Definition of Wisdom

“Wise” is the common word for speculative knowledge and philosophy, but the Hebrews infused it with the much richer meaning of skillfully applying knowledge to matters of practical living. “Wise” (Js. 3:13) then describes a person with moral insight and skill in the practical issues of life. The know how to live God’s way. To be clear wisdom goes beyond knowing facts and is best understood as skills and spiritual techniques for daily practical matters. It is not reading a book about motorbike riding, but being a skilled motorbike rider.

The word “knowledge” portrays a specialist or professional who could skillfully apply his expertise to practical situations. “Knowledge” (Js. 3:13) then is understanding and refers to intellectual perception and scientific insight. James is referring to refined and honed perspectives that are distilled from life’s experiences and developments. Beloved, such individuals have learned from their successes and failures. James is asking who is truly skilled in the art of living. So wisdom and knowledge is generally the ability to live God’s way. As you would expect, such wisdom can be demonstrated and therefore detected when it is in use.

The Demonstration of Wisdom

When godly wisdom springs into action it can be recognized. Like a rainbow in the sky has distinct characteristic, so it is with spiritual wisdom. Note again what James says in verse 13.

Wisdom is shown or demonstrated. “Let him shew” (Js. 3:13) is what James prescribes. We are not speaking in philosophical nor theoretical terms, but in the everyday language of deeds, activities, and service. Wisdom from God is anchored in shoe leather and woven into the warp and woof of our life’s fabric. If a person is wise and knowledgeable, she or he will exhibit it by a “good conversation” coupled together with the humble spirit that is also deeply rooted in godly wisdom.

Wisdom is not measured by degrees but by deeds. It is not a matter of acquiring truth in lectures but of applying truth to life. The person who possesses godly wisdom (3:17) will meekly show it with works, not just words. (W. W. Wiersbe)

The attitude, persona, and actions of a truly wise Believer show they are indeed wonderfully influenced by God’s brand of wisdom.

This intimates the fact that believers should be slow to speak (1:19). When we do engage in conversation our words inform, heal, and accomplish worthy goals, thus revealing the marks of wisdom.  It is the way we use knowledge, not whether or not we have knowledge or even whether we are intelligent. The issue is one of showing what an earlier generation called “good sense” in daily life.

                                                     

Wisdom produces good works. James says, “Let him shew out of a good conversation his works” (Js. 3:13). “Good” refers to agreeable and pleasant—positive moral quality and that which is favorably valued. As you know the word “conversation” refers more to our lifestyle and manner of behavior. “Works” points to activities that are essentially related to our faith in Jesus Christ. Faith properly understood will produce good works, deeds, services, and actions that are right and good from God’s perspective. I know society can become confused on what is truly good and right, but God is not puzzled on these matters at all. True wisdom does not lie in good notions or speculations so much as in good and useful actions. Not the person who thinks well, or speaks well, is categorized as wise in the sense of the word. We must live and act well first and foremost. When this is the case others will be more incline to listen to what we have to say and follow our lead.

Wisdom Inspires Humility. “The meekness of wisdom” (James 3:13) describes the attitude in which a truly wise person’s works are done. The word “meekness” relates to “humility, or gentleness,” and describes the state of an animal which has been tamed so that its power is brought under control and directed in a useful manner. Here in James 3:13, it is used in contrast to actions motivated by selfishness and pride. “Meekness” is the opposite of arrogance and self-promotion (see Matt. 5:5; 1:21; Num. 12:3; Gal. 5:23). Meekness can be described as power under control.

The truly wise believer is humble; his or her good life and deeds are best portrayed in humility of mind and heart. The Lord Jesus, the embodiment of true wisdom, was not proud and arrogant; He was meek and lowly in heart (Matt. 11:29). Therefore, all who are truly wise will have the hallmark of genuine humility. My honest confession is that the more I learn, the more I realize I have so much more to learn. Knowledge made me arrogant early on in my ministry, but godly wisdom has correctly humbled my soul. My physical strength moved me to evidence pride in my youth, but maturing wisdom in my heart has allowed me to realize the strength of God in my weaknesses. My competence and capability drove me to independence in my immaturity, but spiritual wisdom from God changed me to genuinely value teamwork, interdependence, and collaboration. You see, Beloved, when we travel with the Lord Jesus along the path of wisdom, we become the kind of people that can work with others and they can freely work with us.

Wisdom Evidences Meekness. James also employed the phrase, “meekness of wisdom,” (James 3:3) signifying two important things according to Dr. Wiersbe,

Meekness is the right use of power, and wisdom is the right use of knowledge. They go together. The truly wise person will show in his daily life (conversation means “behavior”) that he is a child of God. Attitude and action go together.

In James 1:21, “meekness” also connotes a readiness to receive instruction from the Word. There is nothing like working with people who are still growing, learning, and expanding in Christ. Unfortunately, few things are more egregious than putting up with an insufferably arrogant know-it-all. Just as “wisdom,” is the proper and insightful application of knowledge, meekness is the proper and insightful application of power. Such “meekness” is an evidence of salvation and the continuing work of the Spirit of Grace in our hearts. Such “wisdom” is the generous gift of God to a growing Christian (Ja. 1:5) trusting God for it. Together these terms describe a wonderful possibility and manner of life. That is a character and conduct which is conformed to Christ’s and a soul richly empowered by the Holy Spirit.

Meekness is a condition of mind and heart which demonstrates gentleness, not in weakness, but in power. It is a balance born in strength of character. Meekness is not primarily expressed in outward behavior nor toward other people, but chiefly toward God. It is that attitude of spirit of accepting God’s dealings with us as good and refusing to dispute with or resist Him. This selfless and non-self-assertive meekness comes from divine wisdom.(See Js. 1:5; Job 9:4; 28; Pss. 104:24; 111:10; Prov. 1:7; 2:1–7; 3:19,20; 9:10; Jer. 10:7,12; Dan. 1:17; 2:20–23; Rom. 11:33; 1 Cor. 1:30; Eph. 3:10; Col. 2:3).

Beloved, we can examine ourselves for the operation of true wisdom in our motives, desires and actions. Consider these questions as you pause before the Lord God. Am I sustaining meaningful relationships because I habitually use godly wisdom? Is my history peppered with painful broken friendships? Do I find myself in conflict more than in harmony? Am I easy to work with on team projects? Do I value the suggestions and ideas of others or must I have my way regardless? Am I willing to let the best ideas advance even if they are not mine? Have I made the mistake of substituting academic degrees for godly wisdom?

You and I are only required to answer these questions before the Lord. If you need to confess some things then do not hesitate. God is merciful and forgiving when we come to Him in a spirit of repentance. Remember wisdom is demonstrated in our attitudes and actions resulting in healthy stronger relationships. Peace marks those who walk in the way of wisdom. 

Rightly Treasuring Others!

Visit any news venue and within minutes you will be convinced the world is completely devoid of kindness, consideration, or tenderness. Human beings seem to be devolving into something less human with every news report and every click of the remote or mouse. Yesterday my wife asked her father if he had seen any “good news” on TV today. His response was a solemn and reasoned “No….it is all bad news anymore.” He went on to mention the terrorist group ISIS responsible for a number of recent beheadings asserting themselves as a force to be reckoned with internationally. Indeed they pose a threat to the Middle East and every country from whence they have effectively recruited and trained terrorist. A rash of new terrorist attacks will follow as these trainees return to their respective countries. Under their influence killing, fear, and barbarism reign!

This sadly is not where the barbarism ends though. It has emerged in supposed sophisticated societies in the forms of rape, sex trafficking, abortion on demand, wife beating, serial killings, city gang wars, abductions, protracted drug cartel clashes, homicide after homicide, and the list goes on seemingly endlessly with yet another example of gross inhumanity. Have we completely lost the ability to treat people like unique creations of God who bear His image? Have we forgotten that human beings are intrinsically endowed with worth and value by their Creator? Is it possible to reestablish a society that actually values each human life?

GENTLENESS IS RIGHTLY TREASURING OTHERS….

The fifth gracious quality of the character of Christ to be explored is “gentleness.” Paul, the writer of Galatians says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,  Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law” (Gal 5:22-23). Again spiritual fruit is purely the production of the Spirit as we Believers yield ourselves to God. It may surprise you to learn that “gentleness” is actually “usefulness, i.e. moral excellence (in character or demeanor)” according to James Strong (1890, p. 78). That is, our character or essential personality is made honorable and ethical as we trust God for this grace. Actually the word focuses our attention on the inner disposition, but not necessarily the associated acts of goodness it inspires.  Furthermore, Spiros Zodhiates (1993) in The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament says of gentleness, “It is the grace which pervades the whole nature, mellowing all which would have been harsh and austere.” This of course is the opposite of being intense, extreme, or severe. This fantastic inner quality is further defined as being harmless like a dove and truly tenderhearted.  Fairness, moderation, and clemency are also great synonyms for gentleness. Regarding interactions with others, gentleness involves sincere expressions of equity/justice and consideration. In a manner of speaking, gentleness is rightly treasuring others.

As you may have already concluded, a gentle Believer is free from needless roughness, discreet while employing sternness, measured when making assertions, thoughtful in speech, and considerate in actions. Typically gentle Christians are slow to make use of any form of violence or force. It is not that they cannot serve on a police force, in the military, or as part of the FBI with excellence; they simply do not operate predominantly from the position of force. Gentle Believers are marked with a moderate/mellow disposition; this translates into a demeanor that is cordial, congenial, and cool-headed. Beloved, high social considerations for the welfare of others are good hallmarks to aim for. This is the Christian doctor with an excellent bedside manner, a godly lawyer who serves for real justice respecting the statues of the law, and a nursing home care-giver who handles the elderly and fragile residents with tenderness and understanding. Gentleness reminds us of a nursing mother with her much beloved suckling, the tender ways of a wise old farmer with his favorite but aging Clydesdale, or the manner in which a loving father trains his only son. Gentle people truly treasure others and treat them as such!

Gentleness will manifests itself by goodwill rooted in the heart much like God possesses toward humanity. He typically sends rain and sunshine to the benefit of the just and unjust persons indiscriminately (Matt 5:45). Gentle Believers treat others well in what they say and they interact with others employing tender carefulness and thoughtfulness. We are to even evidence gentleness toward those who are undeserving and guilty of treating others unkind.  Still yet, while facing the gnawing pain of rejection, the gentle soul responds in character and refuses to lash out in revenge. Accordingly, the Spirit produces chivalrous qualities like thoughtfulness, politeness, graciousness, consideration, and understanding in the yielded believer. This quality describes the overworked pastor/biblical counselor who minister to a rape victim delicately and individually no matter how many cases they have counseled before. Yet again he blocks off time on his busy calendar to sensitively help yet another soul who has been violently violated. It is the social worker who still dares to look into a foster child’s eyes realizing they are more than just another case, but a highly valued life stoked with raw potential. Though placing children in foster homes has been her employment for over twenty years, she still finds herself weeping silently on occasions. I see gentleness in the response of a single father to his only fifteen year old daughter. “Daddy…I’m pregnant” she blurts out through tears and quivering lips. Instead of harshly scolding her while kicking her out of the house in rage, he gently embraces and assures her while fighting back his own tears. Deep inside he blames himself for not being there for her…but they desperately needed the extra money from his second job in order to make rent. Beyond any argument, gentleness is supernatural! It must stem from a person with a Spirit-tendered heart.  Once again LaHaye (1966, p. 51) observed, “The hurrying, bustling and pressurized life we live tend to make even some of the finest Christians annoyed at the interruptions of “the little people.” Without the influence of the Spirit even good Believers will become needlessly insensitive and harshly inconsiderate.

Characteristically, gentleness includes the inclination to forgive others. As Spirit-filled Christians, we must refuse to hold a grudge or harbor resentful feelings toward an offender. Through our Lord Jesus Christ we have the power to respond with tenderness while under great personal strain or pressure.

Gentleness is probably a strange trait to many since our culture is highly impressed with selfish advancement and individualism above all else. Neil Wilson’s (2000) book The Handbook of Bible Applications affords this very helpful insight into our contrary cultural values and vices.

“Jealousy and selfish ambition” are inspired by the devil. It is easy for us to be drawn into wrong desires by the pressures of society and sometimes even by well-meaning Christians. By listening to the advice: “Assert yourself. . . . Go for it. . . . Set high goals,” we can be drawn into greed and destructive competitiveness. Seeking God’s wisdom delivers us from the need to compare ourselves to others and to want what they have. 

In addition since God is gentle toward sinners (2Cor. 10:1; Js. 3:17), Christians should display this same virtue (1Thess. 2:7; 2Tim. 2:24; Tit. 3:2; 1Pet. 2:18). While there is not even a hint of encouragement for condoning sin, redemption and restoration are equally valued by gentle Believers. It was James who said the wisdom of God is distinguished by gentleness, “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.  And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace” (James 3:17-18). Gentle people are experts at handling others with ‘kid’s gloves.’ They are masters of the ‘velvet gloves’ treatment, but remain free of sinful manipulations for personal advantage. Gentleness undeniably excludes a Christian from behaving selfishly forceful, competitively coarse, or needlessly insensitive when interacting with others.

Boaz’s dealings with Ruth in Ruth 3:7-15 is a good example of gentleness. She entered the threshing floor late at night and waited at his feet to proposition him with a marriage interest and option.  This was fully consistent with Naomi’s advice, the Law of Moses (Deut. 25:5–10), and the customs of Israel. Boaz responded with thoughtfulness and courtesy. He behaved like a gentleman. Understanding her proposition, he immediately blessed Ruth, commended her, praised her, protected her honor, sought her security, and made provision for her needs.  Boaz fleshed out sensitivity, thoughtfulness, consideration and old-fashioned gentleness. MacDonald and Farstad (1995, p. 291) drew a fantastic parallel from this passage to the believer in Christ Jesus in the Believer's Bible Commentary.

This assured Ruth of his deep love and gave evidence to Naomi that he would follow through on the matter without delay. Ruth was a noble woman, intrinsically worthy of Boaz’s kindnesses. But we were unworthy sinners. Yet the Lord spread His covering over us and took us as we were. He has loaded us with gifts and encouraged us with His promised return to consummate the marriage. Our salvation is settled, a finished work. But entrance into the full bliss of our union awaits the Bridegroom’s return. 

Gentleness as tender kindness is perhaps best explained in the attitude of the Lord Jesus toward little children (Mark 10:14; Luke 18:15-17). Christ’s gentle spirit is contrasted with the disciples’ rather cruel attitude toward the children who were brought to Him. As this episode unfolded the Lord Jesus said, “Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God” (Mk. 10:14).  The disciples viewed themselves and the Lord as either too important or too busy to be bothered with such minor affairs. Christ Jesus on the other hand made time for the ‘little people.’ He expressed genuine interest in their desires, afforded them His undivided attention, and left them in an improved state because of His personal touch and blessing. The persons in need were not treated like a burden to Him; they were not merely tolerated but secretly resented and unwanted. Christ cherished no concept of Himself as being too important or too busy to be considerately gentle to the disadvantaged. More Christians should cultivate this Christlike quality through serious submission to the Spirit.

Finally gentleness provides an atmosphere for others to mature. Think of how a good mother handles her newborn in the nursery. Such an environment is conducive to growing under special care. Though this grace is not cherished in society it is nevertheless incredibly valuable. Many people esteem power and self-assertiveness because such behaviors enable them to establish themselves as respectable. This evidences itself in millions of ways in a highly materialistic culture where individualism is a strong value. However, this results in pushing others around, justifying abject cruelty in the name of ‘good business,’ steamrolling over whoever gets in the way of securing another promotion, and loudly reminding others of one’s authority, rank, superiority and advantages.  Threats and intimidation are standard procedures in that environment. Such should never be the case for us who follow Jesus Christ.

That is correct; through the Spirit of Christ, it does not have to be that way. How wonderful to come into a climate where gentleness is highly valued. In this scenario love can spring into action. Allowance is afforded for needed growth. Understanding is generously poured out to the disadvantaged without belittling them. Selfless consideration of co-workers and addressing the needs of others become viable practical approaches to problem solving. There is an allowance of time for the other person to talk, and a willingness to learn, grow, explore, and discover together. Why do we not see the value and potential of treating others with gentleness?

Sadly much of the barbarism that plagues or modern highly sophisticated society will continue relatively unchecked. Unfortunately forms of rape, sex trafficking, abortion on demand, spousal abuse, serial killings, child abuse, gang wars, protracted drug cartel clashes, and homicide after homicide will continue as humanity ever spirals downward. As followers of Jesus Christ, we must not lose the ability to treat people like unique creations of God who bear His image! We must never forget how human beings are intrinsically endowed with worth and value by their Creator! By the grace of God in the Gospel, we must believe it is possible to reestablish a society that actually values each human life! We Christians must endeavor to maintain a Spirit-tendered heart and this will result in handling others with gentleness. It is not by becoming worldly, that we will have the greatest impact on our world. If we all subscribe to a dog eat dog philosophy we will only destroy each other. Trust God to give rise to more of this quality of gentleness in you. I am asking my Lord to do a work of grace in me also. If nice guys must finish last then so be it. Remember God said the first shall be last and the last shall be first in His kingdom. I believe God! We do not have to become cut-throats, vultures, and wolves lurking in the shadows to take advantage of another unwitting soul. Refuse to prey on people; choose to treasure them as God does. Beloved, learn from the Spirit of Grace how to rightly treasure others.