What Kind of Wisdom Is Shaping You?

Are you driven by earthly wisdom or guided by God’s wisdom? Pause and consider what kind of harvest is following your life.

THIS WEEK’S BOLD STEP DEVOTION

“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.”
(James 3:13)

When we hear the word wisdom, many of us picture someone older with a long beard who speaks only when absolutely necessary. But James challenges that picture right away in James 3. He says that wisdom isn’t proven by how much you know or how many years you’ve lived. It’s revealed by how you live. Wisdom shows up in the everyday choices you make, in the way you treat others around you, and in how you respond when life gets hard. You can be incredibly smart and still make very unwise decisions, because knowledge and wisdom are not the same thing.

James tells us there are two kinds of wisdom: earthly wisdom and God’s wisdom. Earthly wisdom is driven by selfish ambition. It’s always comparing, competing, and quietly resenting the success of others. Ambition by itself isn’t wrong; it’s simply the drive to grow and move forward. But when ambition becomes all about you, it stops being healthy and begins to create disorder and brokenness in your life.

God’s wisdom, on the other hand, is pure, peace-loving, and considerate. It isn’t loud or controlling. Instead, it produces mercy rather than hardness, and humility instead of pride. Over time, wisdom always leaves a trail behind it, which means that it’s critical that we take time to pause and consider what kind of harvest is following our lives. One way to do that is by looking honestly at the fruit of the last several years. If that fruit hasn’t been healthy, it may be time to turn toward God’s wisdom and begin living differently. And if it has been healthy, that’s a good sign you’re seeking the right things. So the question is simple: Which kind of wisdom is shaping you?

Bold Step Challenge: 
Take time this week to pause and honestly examine the fruit your life is producing. Are your attitudes, words, and actions leaving a trail of peace, humility, and mercy, or are they shaped more by comparison, pride, and self-centered ambition? Ask God to reveal one area where you need His wisdom. 

Prayer:
Father, thank You that Your wisdom is available to us when we seek You. Forgive me for the times I’ve relied on my own understanding or allowed selfish ambition to shape my choices. Fill my heart with Your wisdom that is pure, peace-loving, and humble. Help my life reflect the kind of fruit that honors You and blesses others. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Listen to the sermon: Making Wise Decisions

Part 1Part 2

Ministry Update from Mark

By now, the year is well underway, and the energy of new beginnings has faded for many. But readiness isn’t revealed when motivation is high—it’s revealed in the ordinary rhythms of life. The direction of your future is being shaped right now by the habits you practice daily. We often desire change without discipline, growth without obedience, and breakthrough without perseverance. But as I was once reminded by Dr. George Sweeting, “Discipline plus determination, not desire, determines destiny.” Scripture echoes this truth in Galatians 6:7: “Whatever one sows, that will he also reap.”

This is an invitation to examine what you are sowing today—your time, your thoughts, your priorities, and your faith. Your feelings may reveal the need, but your habits shape the outcome. Feeling dry? Return to God’s Word. Feeling stuck? Take one faithful step forward. Feeling anxious or overwhelmed? Practice daily surrender and focus on what matters most. Don’t wait for another season to get serious about your walk with God—this is the season. The future God is preparing you for is already being formed by the choices you make today.