"Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? (James 3:13)

Thought for the Week

  

This is a most intriguing question put forth by James and is one that should command our attention. If our high hopes, our great expectation of one day going home to live with the redeemed of all ages is going to become reality, we must be a wise person.  I wonder, what would you consider to be characteristics of a wise person. Certainly, I believe we would all agree that a wise person is one who builds his faith and hope on Jesus (Acts 4:12).  Of course we must conclude that a wise person is one who fears God and strives to keep his commandments (Eccl. 12:13).  There are many other characteristics of a wise man that could be mentioned but suffice it to say that the wise man knows he belongs to God and by a life dedicated to God, a life disciplined by God and a life that is distinctive for God testifies to all who know him that he belongs to God.

 

The wise man speaks often with his God and seeks God's blessing (1 Thessalonians 5:7; Romans 12:12; Philippians 4:6-7;  Hebrews 4:16; 1 Peter 5:7). You see, the wise man knows that there is no problem too great for the Lord to solve. The wise man takes time to feed on God's word (1 Peter 2:2; 2 Timothy 2:15; Hebrews 5:11-14). The wise man knows that he needs direction in this life so he lets God be his guide (Jeremiah 10:23; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).  The wise man trusts in God at all times (Psalms 62:8; Isaiah 12:2; Romans 8:28). The wise man diligently seeks first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33).

 

The reward of being a wise man is found in knowing that one day we will stand face to face with our Lord and hear the most beautiful words we will ever hear, "Enter into the joys of your Lord". All of us should be living our lives right now in such a way that we can say with Paul. "I am ready. I have fought a good fight, I have kept the faith, I have finished the course". Live every remaining day of life on this earth as a wise man whose life is dedicated to God. disciplined by God and distinctive for God. If that be the case, the greatest victory imaginable will one day be the result.

 

Charles Hicks