This weekend I wrapped up a message series called “Operation Love Your Neighbor” with a message called “The Wise Church. The book of James is filled with wisdom. I mentioned 8 characteristics of wisdom from the book of James and 7 intentional practices I have observed in wise people. Here is the recap:
Wise People:
- Pray for wisdom (James 1:5) “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Proverbs 9:10)
- Are Resilient: Hard times and temptations lead to maturity (James 1:2-4)
- Live Gods word as much as they study it (James 1:22)
- Great Listeners (James 1:19)
- Have a firm control of their mouth (James 3:3-12)
- Submit themselves to God (even when things are confusing)(James 4:7)
- Live in unity and harmony with others (James 4:11-12)
- Are incredibly Patient (James 5:7)
Wise people intentionally:
- Embrace and experience life events, the good and the challenging with grace
- Reflect deeply
- Pray Honestly
- Read the scriptures openly
- Process with others and are OK with being challenged
- Interact with people whose lives are radically different than their own and learn from them
- Give all of life in submission to God
Thanks! I got them all down, but today I couldn’t read or understand half of what I’d written. Once again, thank you for illuminating God’s Word in such practical ways. We are blessed that God called you to Northbrook.
Thank you for posting. I sent them to my college boys who are struggling with this new thing called “adulthood” even though they think they have been their for a while. LOL