For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there will also be disorder and wickedness of every kind. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. ~ James 3:16-17
We don't live in a time of wisdom. You need only read the news and see envy, disorder, selfish ambition, and wickedness.
Of course, these things have always been around, but lately it feels as if they have become normalized.
Some of our fall away from wisdom comes from the silos of information we have put ourselves in - getting our information from the 24 hour news channel of our choice or from the social media we choose to follow.
Some of it comes from our distrust of institutions - school, churches, government agencies.
We distrust the educators who have been hired to teach our children, and wall off books from our kids that can open their minds and hearts to the lives of those who are different from themselves.
All of that disorder can cloud our vision and harden our hearts.
True wisdom comes from listening to many voices - including those we disagree with.
True wisdom comes from being merciful - even to those we disagree with or even hate.
True wisdom comes in working for peace and being willing to yield when we are wrong.
In the midst of the chaotic world in which we currently find ourselves, who are the people who are wise and trustworthy? Who are the new voices you might try listening to? Who are the voices of calm in the midst of fractiousness?
Who are the pure, the peaceable, the merciful?
Who are the truly wise?
Help me to be wise in your ways, O Lord, and not wise in the wise of the mighty and powerful who seek to divide. Amen
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