Since the post-World War II era, the American emphasis has been on youth. The birth of Rock and Roll, the automobile culture, and the challenge to authority all indicated that 16-26 was the age to be. “Cool” was the new highest priced commodity. Consumer marketing turned vigorously in this direction. And it seems the wave is yet to crest. Baby boomers are spending like crazy now on remedies for aging, working out, getting injected, and having surgery. All because it isn’t cool to be old. Wouldn’t it be great if folks started trading in some of their cool for a much more needful commodity – wisdom?
The book of James is a New Testament wisdom book. And the thing is, Biblical wisdom often runs against the grain of conventional wisdom. So to really live as wise in this world, we must live above and beyond the world. There are those who do not seek wisdom, there are those who have a natural wisdom that manages itself in this world, and there are those who pursue supernatural wisdom. Let us be among the latter.
Right off the top, James introduces us to the other-worldly nature of divine wisdom. “Consider it pure joy … whenever you face trials …” The joy of trials?! The mind of youth says, “Joy is avoiding and having no trials.” Conventional wisdom says, “What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger.” But supernatural wisdom says, “Count your many, diverse hardships as pure joy.” God’s wisdom always looks beyond the now and the feeling – unlike youth. It goes beyond the stoic acceptance of circumstances. It understands that there’s a living God, who can work all things together for good; who has begun a good work in us and is committed to finishing it (not just bringing it to an end, but bringing it to complete perfection.)
Our trials become a means to maturity in the hands and under the wisdom of God. That’s why we rejoice in them. As in a previous blog regarding the twelfth chapter of Hebrews, let us consider the chisel of God in shaping us into masterpieces of faith. Trials become the Divine strokes of the Ultimate Sculptor for those who have His wisdom. And the acquisition of this superior wisdom is simple. Ask for it. James encourages us with the character of God – “[He] gives generously to all without finding fault.” Ask, believing! Youth serum and plastic surgery are not the great gifts to the world in our time; the great gifts come from above, from the Father of the heavens. And after saving grace, wisdom may be the greatest.
Pray: Generous Father, grant me a fresh dose of Your wisdom. As I grow older, help me to accept my fading youth, as it is fading into something better – spiritual maturity. Help me to persevere under trial, that it’s work would be made complete in me, and the true crown of everlasting life would settle upon my head.
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