James 3:13-18
Years ago I remember reading Famous Monkey Last Words by Paul White. This book is part of a children’s series where the author uses animal characters to teach a spiritual truth. The main characters are a wise giraffe, a friendly but strong hippo, and a mischievous monkey named Toto. Through out the various stories Toto is the one who places himself in difficult circumstances all because he has not acted wisely. In Famous Monkey Last Words, the curious Toto wanted to see a zebra. The giraffe, as his teacher, had told him to never stand behind a zebra. However, Toto did not listen and walked right up behind the zebra and smacked it with some thorns. Well, you can imagine what happened! The zebra kicked, and the little monkey Toto went flying. He had been taught and reminded, but he did not apply the knowledge to his life. In the final verses of James 3, the author records a thought provoking question by asking, “Who is wise?” (13). James says that wisdom is proven by living out what you know to be true with humility. True wisdom does not act in self centered ways (14) which point to an ungodly alliance with Satan (15) and leads to a life of disorder (16). The alternative for disorder is living by God’s wisdom (17). The rule of God and His wisdom in our lives is displayed through the purity of an upright life that seeks God’s peace (18). James wants his audience to see that the internal issues of the heart directly impact our speech and life. God’s wisdom will change our speech and life as we allow God to change our heart and thoughts. There are many things that may cause us to lack peace. When we ask God for wisdom, (see James 1:5), and submit by faith, believing that His ways are best, He will give peace.
For more see JAMES
Years ago I remember reading Famous Monkey Last Words by Paul White. This book is part of a children’s series where the author uses animal characters to teach a spiritual truth. The main characters are a wise giraffe, a friendly but strong hippo, and a mischievous monkey named Toto. Through out the various stories Toto is the one who places himself in difficult circumstances all because he has not acted wisely. In Famous Monkey Last Words, the curious Toto wanted to see a zebra. The giraffe, as his teacher, had told him to never stand behind a zebra. However, Toto did not listen and walked right up behind the zebra and smacked it with some thorns. Well, you can imagine what happened! The zebra kicked, and the little monkey Toto went flying. He had been taught and reminded, but he did not apply the knowledge to his life. In the final verses of James 3, the author records a thought provoking question by asking, “Who is wise?” (13). James says that wisdom is proven by living out what you know to be true with humility. True wisdom does not act in self centered ways (14) which point to an ungodly alliance with Satan (15) and leads to a life of disorder (16). The alternative for disorder is living by God’s wisdom (17). The rule of God and His wisdom in our lives is displayed through the purity of an upright life that seeks God’s peace (18). James wants his audience to see that the internal issues of the heart directly impact our speech and life. God’s wisdom will change our speech and life as we allow God to change our heart and thoughts. There are many things that may cause us to lack peace. When we ask God for wisdom, (see James 1:5), and submit by faith, believing that His ways are best, He will give peace.
For more see JAMES
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