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• wisdom

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Was it because of the person saying it? Or the timing of what they said? Was it because you could hear the love and humility behind the comment?

Now think of the worst advice you’ve ever heard. What made it so bad?

If you go to Pinterest or Instagram, you can find a myriad of witty sayings and pearls of wisdom presented in artistic form. You could fill the walls of your house with the best and most encouraging of these quotes.

However, many of the creative sayings shared or responses penned do not benefit and bless when we boil it down to their true meaning. The statements are meant to build up self and not others. They invite comparison and judgment, which breed discouragement and competition.

When seeking advice and encouragement, we should use a filter to see if the pearl of wisdom comes from the one who paid for the pearl of great price (Matt. 13:45). James gives us some clear tests that can help us discern between godly and worldly wisdom in chapter 3:

13 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. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

17 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. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. (James 3:13-18)

Today, instead of going to Pinterest, Instagram, or Facebook for advice, seek some godly wisdom through scripture. God really does know what he’s talking about.

• Jesus

This month has been a challenge. When I think of Jesus, so many thoughts come to mind that I struggle to bring them to focus.

At different times in my life, Jesus has meant different things to me. He is living and active, therefore it’s hard to fit him into a limiting box that only allows him to show one aspect or another of his character.

Jesus, Messiah, Prince of Peace, Redeemer, Teacher, God’s Son, Example, Friend… some of these descriptions of Jesus we have already touched on through the blogs this month.

But I want to close this month with a reminder of the difference between thinking about Jesus and spending time with him.

The more time we spend with him, the more in love we fall with him and the easier it is to describe him to others.

Sometimes, with a boyfriend, I made the mistake of doing things for him, but not with him. There´s a difference and it affected our relationship. I don´t want us to make the same mistake with Jesus.

Today, I encourage you to take a moment to simply sit with Jesus. Picture yourself sitting at his feet as Mary did (Luke 10:39), or following him around like the crowds, hanging on his every word. Then ask yourself, “When I think of Jesus…”