The scriptural reference for Sunday is from the section of the epistle of James that addresses two kinds of wisdom. One kind of wisdom is worldly and the other comes from heaven. Obviously, the wisdom that is to be desired is heavenly. However, the wisdom that is most familiar and perhaps most often pursued is the worldly wisdom.
Wisdom is often defined as, or measured by, the application of knowledge. One’s level of knowledge or the amount of things that a person may know refers to an almost objective list of facts. Almost one hundred years ago (in 1956), Benjamin Bloom developed a system to categorize educational goals. The components of the system included knowledge, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. Around 2001, the system was modified slightly to more accurately describe the characteristics of each stage. For example, the foundational task “knowledge” was relabeled “remembering.” The most significant change was to the top sections of the hierarchical taxonomy. “Synthesis” and “evaluation” were changed to “evaluating” and “creating” which reflected the idealization of creating as the pinnacle of learning.
The reference in the epistle of James to “two kinds of wisdom” could also be conceptualized as two sources of wisdom—from the world and from heaven. The contrast of wisdom obtained from the world and wisdom obtained from heaven parallels the distinctions found in the writings of the apostle Paul and the prayer of Jesus found in John 17. In the letter of Romans, Paul reminds the early followers of Christ that they should not desire to conform to the world. Instead, they should be transformed by the renewing of their minds. Even more pointedly, Jesus prays to God for the protection and transformation of His followers.
Some have considered John 17 to be “the real Lord’s Prayer” because Jesus says “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it” (verses 15 & 16). In these words, Jesus makes the distinction between being “in the world” and being “of the world.” There are things of the world that are to be avoided because they do not reflect the wisdom that comes from above.
Explorations of the source of knowledge or the ways of knowing are called epistemology. Our ultimate way of knowing is from God. Certainly, the way of knowing that is to be most carefully scrutinized is the knowledge that comes from the world and the knowledge that is valued by the world. In many cases, the knowledge provided by the world is often selfish and fueled by impure motives. The letter of James notes that selfish ambitions lead to disorder. James writes that heavenly wisdom is “pure, peace-loving, considerate and sincere” (James 3:17).
The prayer of Jesus in John 17 emphasizes the tremendous concern and connection between Jesus and all believers. Jesus prays for the protection of those who will be sent to proclaim His name ‘to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them’ (John 17:26). Wisdom from heaven is not characterized by selfish ambition, instead it pursues what is best for others. Among the most powerful phrases in the letter of James is the concluding line “Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness” (3:18).
As counter-cultural and “unworldly” as selflessness seems to be, it is the example that Jesus invites us to embrace this kind of wisdom that isn’t satisfied with only a basic knowledge of the things of this world. Let us share as those who wish not only to apply heavenly wisdom, but to connect with others create a place of peace in which the righteousness of God transforms the people of God. Thanks be to God!
We will look forward to seeing you in the classes, in worship and on the mission field as we share Godly wisdom.
In Christ,
Jon McCoy
