Away With Vices

Everyone seems so excited about the new year. Some have made new year resolutions that they may never keep, some of which were carried over from 2018, lol. You desire a bright and fruitful year but have you had time to reflect on the previous year yet? I mean your vices of 2018.

With the series of thoughts you have for 2019, you may need to first realize and afterward, rid all the baggage you’ve held on to in the past years. Everyone has a vice but we’re all on different levels to rid them off, so what level are you on? We’re taught by James in James 3:13-18 that there are two types of wisdom, the Heavenly and demonic wisdom. Now before you rate your kind of wisdom, finish reading.

James taught that any decision you make selfishly and out of envy is earthly, sensual and generally not from above. Making us understand that, solely thinking about yourself in all your doing isn’t wisdom from God. In short, Heavenly wisdom thinks of the other person. Heavenly wisdom prompts us to think of ways to give and support another rather than focus on receiving only; teaches us to rejoice over someone else’s triumph rather than seek ways to outdo his success; leads us to forgive and let go of hurt rather than hold a silent grudge; teaches to have a heart of acceptance to everyone rather than have an unyielding heart, and the list goes on and on.

The Bible says, “where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there” James 3:16. Every evil thing may include unforgiveness, anger, hate, maliciousness, bitterness and the like. Meaning, a vice opens the way to more vices. I know you may think you’ve not erred on any of these but allow God to search your heart first and enlighten you. You’ll be surprised.

Heavenly Wisdom

But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. James 3:17

Pure:

No impure thoughts against another. Speaks only the language of love with no evil intentions. Never intends to hurt.

Peaceable:

Those ideas will always end in bringing peace and not disunity and misunderstandings. Always for the good and never malevolent.

Gentle:

filled with amiable ideas. Polite and respectful rather than rude. Not forceful but patient with another.

Willing To Yield:

Teaches us to be correctable, teachable. Generally being submissive.

Full Of Mercy:

God’s wisdom never teaches us to hold a grudge. It teaches us forgiveness especially when not merited.

Full Of Good Fruits:

Non-regrettable actions are assured when we apply God’s wisdom. The result of His applied wisdom is always a testimony.

Without Partiality And Hypocrisy:

dignity and honor are its trademarks.

You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoy its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor. This sort of wisdom is Heavenly.

Have a bright 2019 Y’all and don’t forget to share this.