Dear Friends,
How do you know if someone is wise and should be put in a leadership position? According to the scriptures, the person's character, as shown in their day-to-day behavior is the main thing we should look for. And we should beware of those who desire power and position, especially when it comes out in dishonesty and tearing other people down. Even when someone has other gifts, we will pay a steep price when we don't put character first.
Here is what the Bible says in James 3:13-18 (in my own translation),
"Who is wise and knowledgeable among you? Let them show by their beautiful way of life good works done in the humility belonging to wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, don't boast contentiously or speak falsely against the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above but is earthly, animalistic, demonic. For where jealousy and self-promotion are, there are instability and every evil doing. But wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceful, gentle, gracious, full of compassion, and without artifice or hypocrisy. The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."
With this in mind, what can we do when things in our world seem unstable and when evil is all around us? We can continue to sow peace rather than discord and violence. We can continue to be truthful, gentle, and self-controlled in our words. And we can continue to do good to those around us without fanfare. This, according to the scriptures, is true wisdom.
Pray with me if you will,
Jesus, regardless of what happens around me, let me be faithful to be like you in all I say and do. Make me kind and gentle and trustworthy. And in whatever leadership roles I do have, let me not seek power or status but the true wisdom of doing good with humility. Amen.
Love in Christ Always,
Michelle
