Wisdom From Above

By Pastor Vam Foung Vang

James 3: 13-18

13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 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. 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.  18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

The Amish community in Nickel Mines Pennsylvania in 2006 suffered a school shooting where 10 kids were shot and 5 of them died. This is a horrendous story that us parents think of often in the back of our minds, especially when we drop our kids off at school. But every day we drop our kids off and pick them up, there is a slight smile to see them get in the car.

The Amish community during their grieving were able to reach out and love and consider another set of victims that were not a part of their distinct Amish community. Their love was seen when they attended the funeral of Charles Roberts, the shooter, who they knew as the milk man, after attending their own children’s funerals. Their act of love and consideration found in James 3: 17 to 18 continued to be demonstrated when they gave some financial support to the widow and children of Mr. Roberts.

The wisdom of the world is one word–selfish (vs 13 to 16), with no seeking of peace and consideration of the other. We observe the selfish wisdom of the world every day on the news, social media, and our community. Our natural instinct is to act out in revenge, which is a part of the initial reason many shooters murder innocent people. The wisdom of the world is a circle of selfish hate seeking to satisfy ourselves.

The Amish’s demonstrated James 3 of peace and consideration but it is rooted in Jesus’ teaching found in Matthew 5:44: “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”. James 3 and Matthew 5 is the wisdom found in Christ; to love, show peace, and consideration for your enemy. What greater love is there than to lay down your life for your friend, and Jesus justified and sealed this Truth with his last breath on the Cross. The Amish’s forgiveness and love to Charles Robert and his family can never come close to Salvation on the Cross but they surely practiced wisdom that only comes from God.

Reflection:

Let God’s word be our guide and eyes in this dark world where pain, suffering, and death is the rule. Allowing God to lead us will require humility so we can be a living sacrifice to God as our Amish brother and sister did.

Prayer:

Lord be our strength and our light to lead us when our world is plunged into darkness. We do not understand your plans and will, but we ask you to continue to give us your wisdom from above. Amen.