7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
I pondered Jesus’ words for a while, asking myself: What is it I want? Ask anything you wish … Really?
I felt compelled to read Proverbs 3 and 4, and I did. Verse 7 of chapter 4 gave me my answer:
7 The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom.
Though it cost all you have, get understanding.
So I said to God, “Father, Son and Holy Spirit. More than anything else today I need wisdom and understanding.”
But not just any kind of wisdom — wisdom from above. And James chapter 3 tells us what kind of wisdom that is…
“Where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from above is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere“ (James 3:16-17).
Pastor Mel Lawrenz describes this wisdom:
- “Pure” means being relatively free of mixed motives.
- “Peace-loving” means longing for and believing in reconciliation.
- “Considerate” means treating others with care and respect (especially behind their backs).
- “Submissive” means having a teachable, cooperative attitude.
- “Full of mercy and good fruit” means actively gracing others.
- “Impartial” means being fair-minded and consistent.
- “Sincere” means avoiding hypocrisy, and speaking with candor.
Friends, we all need wisdom from above. Oh how we need it!
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