Christian Leadership Foundations 3 - HeartSample

GROWING WISDOM

Leadership Devotion

James describes two types of "wisdom" in today's passage.

The first is earthly wisdom. He even goes so far as to say it is from the devil. It's all about getting what you want. It's characterized by bitter envy (wanting what other people have) and selfish ambition (only caring about what you can get). James paints such wisdom very negatively, but it doesn't always look like that on the surface. Our world is full of very smart people driven to achieve and influence by their ambition. Many do very well and are highly respected.

We have CEOs and politicians and athletes and influencers driven by selfish ambition. Some of them are very capable people who do very clever things. They can wield great power, amass enormous fortunes, and influence millions of people. It's impressive. We think they must be wise to achieve so much. Their achievements are feted by the media. I'm not saying every successful leader is driven by selfish ambition, but many are.

James could see this kind of wisdom sneaking into the church. People driven by selfish ambition were gaining influence. Some were rich. Some were arrogant. Some were deceitful. Some were judgmental, but they seemed to know what they were doing to the ordinary church members. People looked up to them and respected them because they were impressive, smart, successful, and self-confident. This was causing problems in the church. James points out this kind of wisdom inevitably produces conflict, hypocrisy, and immorality.

The second type of wisdom, "that comes from heaven," looks very different. It's not aligned with achievement or success (although these may come), but with humility (3:13). According to James, the evidence of God's wisdom is clear – purity, peace, consideration, submission, mercy, sincerity, fruitfulness.

I'm sure you know wise leaders like this. Men and women who are influential because of their humility, not their ability. Leaders who listen to God and speak gently and clearly on his behalf. Wise shepherds who draw followers together to produce a "harvest of righteousness."

You can see in this passage the close connection between a heart for God (character) and a heart for God's word (wisdom). The signs of godly character and wisdom turn out to be much the same. Characteristics like purity, peace, mercy, and sincerity apply to both character and wisdom. The Bible is very consistent in depicting what a heart for God looks like.

We can learn a lot about wisdom by observing our world and how it operates, but godly wisdom will always start with knowing our God and how he sees things and what he values.

To Contemplate

How does your wisdom stack up against James' criteria? Who do you know with godly wisdom you could learn from?

Leadership Reflection

Godly wisdom has a lot in common with godly character. Like character, it flows from a godly heart. Like character, it is accompanied by peace and humility, and sincerity. Like character, some people have a head start. Like character, it takes a lifetime to develop.

The best place to start growing wisdom is to ask for God's Spirit to help you become wise. In Ephesians, Paul shares how he does that for the Ephesians: "I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better" (Eph. 1:17). Jesus promised: "But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth" (John 16:12). The Holy Spirit shows us God's perspective and reveals to us God's will. Christian leaders work on listening to God's Spirit. This takes time, attention, a quiet heart, and spiritual sensitivity.

Once we are asking and listening to God's Spirit, a few things need special attention to grow wisdom.

The first is reading Scripture. The best place to learn about God and his wisdom is in Scripture. There is no substitute for studying the Bible. We are so privileged to have truth from God in written form. Biblical knowledge does not equate with godly wisdom, but It is difficult to be wise without a good understanding of the Bible. We need to consistently and thoroughly study and submit to Scripture's truth.

It is important to reflect on how biblical truth impacts our everyday life as we study Scripture. This is called "theological reflection." Wisdom grows as we allow God's word in Scripture to impact how we think and live.

What about a formal study of the Bible? Evangelicals have not traditionally been big on academics. There are aspects of human learning we need to be cautious about. It can grow pride in us and harden our hearts to God's wisdom. You certainly don't need a theological degree to serve God or lead others.

An in-depth study of the Bible often helps in the growth of godly wisdom. The most practical way to do this is through some type of formal theological study. Of course, not every Christian leader will have the privilege to study Scripture at a formal level, but if you get the opportunity, take it. A heart for knowing God's word will inevitably produce a love for Scripture. All Christian leaders need a growing understanding of God's ways, as revealed in the Bible.

Another way wisdom develops is by reflecting on our actions and their outcomes, especially if we can gain insight through a mentoring relationship with those wiser than us. Wisdom seldom develops fully in isolation. Christian leaders must seek out mentors who can guide them in developing wisdom. It will speed up the process of becoming wise.

Jesus poured three years into teaching, ministering, and reflecting with his disciples. He invested in them so they could lead the early church with wisdom. The Apostle Paul was a gifted and passionate leader, but his growth in wisdom was assisted by the mentoring of Barnabas. Being mentored by those with wisdom who have a heart for God's word will develop wisdom in you.

Our world needs Christian leaders who are immersed in God's truth. People who listen to the Spirit, know the Bible, and learn from wise mentors. These leaders understand their contexts and histories, think theologically, and interpret the times from God's perspective. If we don't have godly wisdom, we'll either fixate on tradition or be swept away by cultural trends and values. God's work desperately needs Christian leaders with a heart for God's word and the wisdom it produces.