Who in your community is understanding and wise? Let his example, which is marked by wisdom and gentleness, blaze a trail for others. [14] If your heart is one that bleeds dark streams of jealousy and selfishness, do not be so proud that you ignore your depraved state. [15] The wisdom of this world should never be mistaken for heavenly wisdom; it originates below in the earthly realms, with the demons. [16] Any place where you find jealousy and selfish ambition, you will discover chaos and evil thriving under its rule. [17] Heavenly wisdom centers on purity, peace, gentleness, deference, mercy, and other good fruits untainted by hypocrisy. [18] The seed that flowers into righteousness will always be planted in peace by those who embrace peace. James 3:13-18 Voice
How often does our desire get in the way of what God wants to do in, and through us. Our ideas, our imaginations, our desires, all for great, righteous, Godly goals, can drown out the still small voice asking us to pursue His path, His glory, His way.
A dear friend calls this “killing Egyptians.” Moses had a God given passion to free people from the oppression of slavery. In his own strength, he deprived two Egyptian Mothers of their sons. It would take
God’s way took exile from a life of privilege in the palace, rejection by those he was called to save, and 40 years of tending sheep in the desert. The road of peace is rarely quick or easy, but yields a deep understand of purity, gentleness, deference, and mercy.
As you prepare to engage the goal that God has placed in your heart, keep in mind, the words of Jesus brother James:
The seed that flowers into righteousness will always be planted in peace by those who embrace peace. James 3:18