Sermon for the Road: Live wisely

Wise living brings blessings. A person who lives wisely is happy. He brings blessings wherever he goes. Everyone is glad to be with him. He brings no harm or trouble to others. He loves what is good and lives at peace with everyone, be it at home, at the work place, in church or other social contexts. He has wisdom to relate to everyone with prudence and understanding. His life brings honor to God.

Where can we find the sources of wise living? James 3:17 teaches us about the source for wise living, saying

“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.”

Wisdom that can bring blessing to everyone comes only from God. One who has wisdom from God purifies his heart from wickedness. No hatred, strife, envy, jealousy, selfish ambition or arrogance can be found in his speech or deeds. He will not quarrel to gratify his ego. He strives to maintain peaceful, harmonious and healthy relationship with everyone. He is a considerate person, watching closely over his own words and deeds so as not to stumble others. He is willing to let go of his high position to submit to his subordinates for the good of everyone. He is humble and gentle, not bossy and prideful. He is merciful and kind, doing good to everyone. He is impartial to everyone and will not show favoritism. He is sincere in his relationship with others, without any hypocrisy. This kind of lifestyle is possible if every man seeks to be filled with the Spirit of wisdom from God.

Are we living wisely? Are our lives a blessing or a headache to others? Are our hearts impure, full of strife, envy, jealousy, selfishness, and pride? May His Word throw light to the condition of our lives! May we ask God this day to purge us from all these wickedness and give us a pure heart that is consecrated to Him to do His perfect will! God can make us wise as long as we come close to Him, confess our weaknesses, and ask Him to help us to live wisely each passing day.

Pastor Sarah