We are living in a very diverse country with a plethora of religious beliefs. Even so, more than 70% of people say they are Christians, and yet this number does not reflect the moral state of our nation.
Those who say they “believe” in God or in Jesus Christ are not so rare. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that-and shudder. - Jas 2:19 NIV Believing and following are two very different things, yet one must believe in something to follow after it.
Those who say they believe in Jesus Christ, yet do nothing with their belief, are in danger of not truly having faith. But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? - Jas 2:20 NKJV This Greek word translated as foolish is defined as vain or empty; makes sense since the verse is talking about those without faith. For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. - Jas 2:26 Dead works are those things done out of religious tendency but not done with love in faith.
But without faith [it is] impossible to please [Him], for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and [that] He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. - Heb 11:6
It pleases the Father when we walk out of our comfort zone and do something strictly by faith in His ability to do a thing through us, and we are rewarded for such. Before I started writing this blog, I was praying about something I need wisdom and courage about. I had a vision of a father letting go of a child on a bicycle. As the father took his hand off the seat of the bike and allowed the child to go forth on her own, I noticed the father had taken a posture of protection, standing ready to run after the child if need be and yet smiling with pleasure as his little one went off on her own. This father knew he taught his child how to ride that bike, and he was confident in his ability to teach her and in her ability to receive instruction.
Whenever we walk by faith and not by sight (or feelings), we are then able to please the Father and experience His pleasure with us. God has dreams for all of our lives, just as an earthly father has for his children. God is confident in who He is. He is confident in His ability to make us who we are designed to be. God is confident in His Spirit that lives and breathes in us to do His will. However, we are not always so confident. We often walk in fear and not faith; afraid that the outcome will be an unpleasant experience. We are afraid of the natural outcome because we are not looking for the supernatural experience, nor are we considering the eternal effects of our decision.
Too many times, people are carnally minded instead of heavenly minded. Jesus said to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and He said that the kingdom of God is peace, joy, and righteousness.
Carnal or Kingdom
The book of James was written by Jesus’ half-brother, James. James was not exactly a follower of Jesus before His death and resurrection, but at some point, he not only became a spiritually minded follower of his brother’s teachings, but the book of James is riddled with the words of Jesus Christ, more than any other book that doesn’t quote Jesus directly.
James talks about two kinds of wisdom; one type does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, and demonic (Ja 3:15). This type of wisdom is demonic in nature and serves the earthly kingdom, where Satan is a ruler. Whenever we allow the flesh to be in charge, we may hide bitter envy and selfish ambition in our hearts. When this happens, we must not boast about it or deny it, but we need to admit our sin and repent, this brings forth humility.
Wisdom and understanding should be represented in our good deeds. Our deeds should be done in the humility that comes from wisdom. Today, people are constantly operating in fleshly and earthly knowledge and calling it wisdom. The truth is, if wisdom isn’t coming from a biblical and godly perspective, it is ultimately of little to no use to us. 15 Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. - Jas 3:15-16 NIV
So many people are broken, hurting, and struggling with emotions from childhood issues that they cannot seem to operate in the fruit of self-control. There is hope; all can be healed in Christ Jesus. He is the broken-hearted, fractured, splintered, wounded, shattered person’s Healer!
You know you are on the right track and thinking healthily by the way you respond to everyday situations that arise in your life.
17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. - Jas 3:17-18 NIV
Look again at what the kingdom of heaven represents, peace, joy, and righteous. The kingdom of hell produces strife, gossip, dissension, selfish ambition, and division, all of which are rooted in pride.
If you are struggling with walking in godly wisdom versus demonic or carnal wisdom, you are not a hopeless case. I can assure you that the Bible, which is the sword of the Spirit and word of God, can free you from everything that is hindering you.
For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. - Heb 4:12 NIV
Let’s pray,
Heavenly Father, I acknowledge Your word above every word in my life. I acknowledge You to be the Lord of my life, and as such, I ask for deliverance and healing to manifest in my life today. Teach me your ways oh God, that I might not sin. Wash me clean, and I will be clean. Touch my lips with the coals from Your holy altar, and I will be cleansed from all demonic words. I acknowledge my sin before You, my Holy Father and repent of them. Heal me, as only You can. In Jesus name, Amen