LONGING FOR GOD’S PRUDENCE, DAY FIVE

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
Tuesday, April 15th

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. ~ James 3:17-18

Isn’t this passage lovely? We will recognize wisdom by its fruits. Today I am thinking of a few examples of the wisdom found in what may appear to be foolishness–until we notice the fruits…

Years ago, our homeless friend, B, found a wallet as she was riding her bike–her only method of transportation–and she stopped by the church where I was serving. She was determined to return the wallet and money to its rightful owner and asked for our help to find him. Jim and I were so touched by her selfless concern for others, especially as we knew how much she could use any financial help for her basic daily needs.

Jim sometimes has an inner “nudge” to reach out to someone from his past, or someone he hasn’t heard from in a while. He might initially feel awkward as he explains the reason for his call, but he often learns that the person has been struggling in some way and appreciates his timely concern.

Then there are the stories of people who choose integrity over a successful career, or who speak the truth even at a personal risk; or the biblical stories of others like Abraham, who ventured into the wilderness with no real plan except to answer God’s call, or the poor widow who gave her mite–all that she had–to the offering plate, or Jesus, who chose to go to Jerusalem even as he knew what was to come.

We might question why they would do these things–until we observe the good and fruitful outcomes.

And some acts appear to be wise but may yield unhealthy or harmful fruits. Does this child really need another correction–or a word of affirmation? Will my partner benefit more from my opinion or from my silence? Is it important to share my knowledge right now, or to share my compassion?

As we seek God’s wisdom for our decisions and actions, perhaps we should honestly examine what we hope to achieve. Do we desire an end result that brings more goodness, more blessings? This passage from James can guide us, too. Are our discerning hearts pure, peaceable, gentle, willing to yield? Are we asking for the wisdom of God without personal bias or defensiveness or self-centeredness?

Life shows us that our best wisdom will not guarantee all good outcomes–except for the blessed fruit of imperfect but genuine discipleship. Sharing our life and our questions with God, we discover an inner peace that comes from trying to listen and follow in obedience; we find a joyful purpose that arises from longing to share every merciful and good fruit that God is able to provide; and we feel more of God’s love abiding with us in every discernment.

(Photo by Karen)