You don’t have to be a part of Christian culture long before you will hear someone say something like, “God told me this,” or my personal favorite, “God told me to tell you this.” I believe God gives wisdom to church leaders as well as individuals, but I also believe we need to evaluate some of the “advice” God gives us (especially when it’s filtered through another person).
James 3:17 offers a wisdom test for us to evaluate the credibility of a piece of “wisdom.” It says:
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”
Based on the guidelines in this verse, wise advice should elicit the answer “yes” to the following questions:
Is it pure? Godly wisdom is never unethical, immoral, off-color or morally questionable.
Does it promote peace? Godly wisdom seeks to reconcile people, rather than divide them. The mercy Christ has given us should govern our decisions and relationships, even when people disagree. Godly wisdom is not violent or hateful. It is restorative and loving despite serious conflict or disagreement.
Is it humble, submissive and impartial? Does this wisdom consider everyone who may be affected by the course of action? Does it positively impact only a few? Someone following godly wisdom is looking out for the best interests of all others as well as himself. Furthermore, a seeker of godly wisdom is willing to set aside things like denomination, political party and personal opinion when God asks. The wise person will sacrifice their own will and preferences for God’s will and the benefit of others.
Is the teacher living it out? Can you see the results, or fruit, of this godly wisdom in the life of the person who is delivering it? Are you listening to someone who you believe makes decisions and chooses their course of action based on godly wisdom? If not, why are you listening to them? If the teacher is not living out what they teach, they are speaking out of pride and insincerity, even if they’re talking about a good principle.
What about you? Do you follow some kind of “wisdom test?” What about when you are asked to give godly wisdom?
