Which Wisdom Will You Follow?

Rev. Ryan Ogrodowicz, associate pastor and headmaster at Grace Lutheran Church and School in Brenham, TX joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study James 3:13-18. The Scriptural witness teaches us that true wisdom is a matter of the 1st Commandment. Only those who trust in the one true God, revealed in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, have true wisdom and the understanding to use it. This is seen in meekness, the strength of knowing one’s place before God and neighbor. James calls all Christians to examine themselves in this matter, to look within our hearts to see what envy and selfishness might lead to pride and lies. Though this may have an appearance of wisdom, it is truly demonic, for it does not stem from justifying trust in Jesus. This demonic wisdom only leads to the fruit of confusion and all sorts of evil. True wisdom is a gift from God above. This wisdom is seen through the fruit manifested by the work of the Holy Spirit in the sons of God, true peacemakers in Him. “Wisdom from Above” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that goes through the Epistle of St. James. Contrary to what some might claim, this short epistle does not contradict St. Paul. Instead, St. James makes different, yet complementary, points concerning the Christian life. Written in a style similar to the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, this insightful epistle comforts, confronts, and strengthens Christians to live a life of good works that flow from God’s gift of faith, even in the midst of trials.