“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 favouritism and is always sincere. And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of Righteousness” (James 3:17-18).
Welcome back dear student often, when people are dealing with a crisis, or have to make a difficult decision they wonder ‘how will I know what the right thing to do is?’ This Scripture gives a key. We must seek God’s Wisdom by asking Jesus to direct us onto the right paths – His path. Then by faith we receive – that means we trust Him and step out and take action. “My sheep hear My voice, and they follow Me” (John 10:27). Jesus noted that His sheep ‘do not follow the voice of the stranger’ (John 10:5). Having discernment to recognise the difference between God’s voice and the enemy is vital, and it comes from spending time in God’s Word and in prayer, talking and listening to Him – basically, getting to know Him (Hebrews 5:14). When we lean upon God He is Faithful to lead us to safety. Studying the lead verse above, the first result of God’s Presence is Righteousness or purity, for God is Holy. When Isaiah saw the Lord in a heavenly vision the reaction of this man of God was how sinful he was (Isaiah 6:5). That is the state of all the human race – ‘for all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God’ (Romans 3:23). All but One - for Jesus never sinned. That’s how His sacrifice was accepted by God to pay the penalty for all our sins. The Sinless Blood of Jesus now lays upon the Mercy seat in Heaven before God’s Throne. The innocence and purity of that Blood speaks Mercy on behalf of all believers in Jesus. It is because of Jesus that we can now come into the Presence of God reconciled as His children (Hebrews 4:16). So, Righteousness - or holiness, is the first aspect of the Presence of God.
The second is the level of Peace you get in the midst of the circumstances. Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and God’s counsel brings Peace (Isaiah 9:5). When people go to the High Court they need a Senior Counsel to represent and advocate for them. The Holy Spirit is God’s Attorney, His free gift to every believer! He is named ‘Paraclete’ in Greek which means the Advocate, the One Who stands beside you; the Comforter, Helper and Guide – the One Who leads us into the Truth (John 14:16-17). Holy Spirit is our powerful Partner and Friend. When the devil is involved in any situation, there is confusion, bitterness, jealousy and evil of every kind (James 3:15-16). But when the Spirit of God is in control, purity and peace result. This is how you can judge what the right move is. Is this decision from a pure heart? Do I have peace that this is the right thing to do? Others may not be happy, but we must obey God, not appease man (Acts 4:19).
The world promotes self-gratification, but in Jesus’ Kingdom the opposite is true. God is not the author of chaos or confusion, but He is the God of Order and Love. This is another key into recognising what spirit is in control here. Is there order or chaos? Jealousy, bitterness and strife, or Gentleness, Mercy and Peace? It’s a good exercise to write these things down in a ‘pros and cons’ type layout, and the answer becomes very clear (Proverbs 4:5-7). Seeking God’s Wisdom will always preserve and protect you friend.