JUNE 25, 2014
Wisdom
From Above
Read: 1
Samuel 24:1-10
The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable. —James 3:17
If Kiera Wilmot had
performed her experiment during her high school science class, it might have
earned her an A. But instead she was charged with causing an explosion.
Although she had planned to have her teacher approve the experiment, her
classmates persuaded her to perform it outside the classroom. When she mixed
chemicals inside a plastic bottle, it exploded and she unintentionally
unsettled some fellow students.
The Old Testament
tells the story of another case of peer pressure. David and his men were hiding
from Saul in a cave when Saul entered (1 Sam. 24). David’s companions suggested
that God had delivered Saul to them, and they urged David to kill him
(vv.4,10). If David killed Saul, they thought they could stop hiding and David
could become king. But David refused to harm Saul because he was “the Lord’s
anointed” (v.6).
People in our lives
may sometimes suggest we do what seems most gratifying or practical in the
moment. But there is a difference between worldly and spiritual wisdom (1 Cor.
2:6-7). Wisdom from above “is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to
yield, full of mercy” (James 3:17). When others are urging us to take a certain
course of action, we can invite God to influence our response.
Have Thine own way,
Lord! Have Thine own way!
Hold o’er my being
absolute sway!
Fill with Thy Spirit
till all shall see
Christ only, always,
living in me. —Pollard
One is truly wise who
gains his wisdom from above.
Source:
Our Daily Bread 2012
