Wisdom is Sincere

Chuckle: "If Noah had been wise, he would have swatted those two flies." --Helen Castle

Quote: "The kindling power of our words must not come from outward show but from within, not from oratory but straight from the heart." --St Frances de Sales

THE WISE PERSON IS SINCERE (Without hypocrisy):

"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" (James 3:17 NIV). "It is because of him (God) that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God -- that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption" (I Corinthians 1:30 NIV).

Today, let's focus on the word, "sincere," as it relates to Godly wisdom The Greek word for "sincere" can be translated as an absence of "hypocrisy." The word "hypocrite" means to play many different roles. It's like an actor who wears a different mask in several separate roles in a play. Each mask used in the part represents a person other than who the actor really is. The actor appears to be someone he isn't. He isn't genuine. He puts on his church mask on Sunday and takes it off during the week.

Sincere persons have no disguises nor deceits. They are real, open, truthful, trustworthy, and consistent in their identity. Oh that each of us could be guided by such wisdom as this. Then we could say with the apostle Paul, "Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, in holiness and sincerity that are from God. We have done so not according to worldly wisdom but according to God's grace" (2 Corinthians 1:12 NIV).

"A father complained about the amount of time his family spent in front of the television. His children watched cartoons and neglected schoolwork. His wife preferred soap operas to housework. His solution? 'As soon as the baseball season's over, I'm going to pull the plug.'"

We all are in the same boat - we all need God's wisdom to be real and authentic to those who are looking to us as an example of what a Christian is like. Let's don't pretend to be Godly - let's be Godly! Relationships really aren't of much value until we take off our masks and ask forgiveness from both God and others. When you stop trying to be super dads or moms; when your children and grandchildren see your vulnerabilities and weaknesses, they will love you and support you because you are being real and not wearing a mask. What God wants is Christians who are real and genuine, with real needs, confess real sins, develop real relationships, and live out a real relationship with Him.

As our study of wisdom from above comes to a close, the most important question is how can we get such wisdom? The Bible says that wisdom is found in a person, our Lord Jesus Christ. Listen to Colossians 2:3: ". . . . in whom are hidden all treasures of wisdom and knowledge." When He came into our lives, wisdom from God became resident in us and He wants to release it to us every day if we are willing to listen. The Bible further says: "Reverencing (fearing) God is the beginning of wisdom" (Psalm 111:10). He wants us to trust Christ as Savior and the Lord of our lives, then his wisdom will follow.

Love, Jerry & Dotse