"But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere."
--James 3:17 (NLT)
In the book of James in the New Testament of the Bible, James talks a lot about making wise choices in our lives. He contended that our choices directly reflected the faith we hold in our hearts. While he recognized that believers do stumble (James 3:2), he also made no excuses for those who did not measure up. Faith produces real life change, and for James, a faith that DOES NOT produce real life change, is a faith that is worthless (James 2:17).
Gees...James was kind of hardcore, wasn't he? you might be thinking...and to that I say, yes, I believe he probably was a pretty intense guy.
For one, James was the half-brother of Jesus. I don't know about you, but growing up with the Son of God, a perfect being as your brother, would be a little intimidating for me. It had to be overwhelming watching your sibling make all the right choices, while you had made wrong ones many times in your life and most certainly would again at some point.
The good thing is, throughout the book of James, he's pretty practical in the realities of making wise or poor choices; and how each effect our faith. When we make choices that please God, we are blessed. When we walk in the footsteps of Jesus and follow His WILL for our lives, we'll experience the abundance of joy that He has promised us. But when we make choices that do not honor God and that displease Him...we're planting weakened seeds of faith in our lives that have the potential to bring forth a bitter harvest.
Brothers and sisters I challenge you, today, as you encounter the many choices you must make....choose wisely. Direct your thoughts, attitude, and actions, in a manner that you know will please Him. If you're still not sure how to approach the choices before you, just remember; every choice that has the potential to displease God, is the wrong choice. No "if's", "and's" or "but's".
You've got this.
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