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. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. (James 3:13-16 NIV)
James and Jude were brothers of Jesus and leaders in God’s Church. They understood that leadership in God’s Church is not about power, position, or politics. It’s about walking with God and helping others do the same. Envy and selfish ambition expose us and our desire to be in control.
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. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. (James 3:17-18 NIV)
Read over that list describing wisdom again…slowly. Is this your picture of a leader? Does this match your picture of a Christian? Does this match your picture of Jesus? You see, leaders are supposed to help people go somewhere. Leaders in the first-century Church were helping us to become like Jesus, the Christ. We were encouraged to be Christ-like, as described in that list above. Christ was the embodiment of wisdom.
To him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy-- to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. (Jude 1:24-25 NIV)
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