Gentle Wisdom

"Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior 

his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom."

James 3:13

We may have a lot of knowledge, but unless it is applied properly it does not equate with wisdom. True wisdom mirrors godliness. Proverbs 9:10 says "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding." So wisdom begins with reverence for God and a desire to live in a way that pleases Him. As we study God's word and communicate with Him through prayer, the Holy Spirit teaches us all we need to know about how to live in godliness. The more we yield to the Spirit's teaching, the more we comprehend how to apply the knowledge we have gained in gentleness. This is fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:23). We can't possess wisdom without Him.

A Proper Response

And Mary said, “Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Luke 1:38

The word "bondslave" that Mary uses is translated "one who worships God and submits to Him." Surely this describes Mary. Here she is, a nice young Jewish girl with her whole life ahead of her. A devoted follower of Jehovah, she's kept her sexual and spiritual purity. Like most young ladies, she's probably dreamed of romance, marriage and a family. Now she's betrothed to a good man with a respectable carpentry trade. Suddenly, a startling being appears and turns her world upside down. He announces she's to give birth to the Son of God. A stupendous honor, to be sure -- but one that could cost her dearly. Mary knew the Law. She knew the penalty for adultery was death by stoning. She knew the probability that this would be her fate when the Nazareth community discovered she was pregnant. Pregnant by someone other than Joseph her betrothed. Who could blame Mary if she had said, "no thanks" to Gabriel. Yet, amazingly, she puts all her hope and trust in God and submits her life to Him. A proper response for all believers.

Fruit Production

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit." Galatians 5:22-25

A healthy fruit-bearing tree, bush or vine will produce luscious fruit in season. Jesus said the person who follows Him will be recognized by the spiritual fruit he or she produces. The Holy Spirit of God resides in the Christian, and as that Christian yields to the Holy Spirit, more and more of the Spirit's fruit is revealed. It's good to do a self-check every so often to see how our fruit production is coming along. Is our love for others increasing? Are we more joyful? Does peace rule in our hearts? Do we demonstrate more patience? Is kindness evident in our lives? How about goodness? Can we say our faithfulness has grown?  Do we have a gentle spirit? Are we exhibiting self-control? If an honest self-examination reveals that some fruit is lacking, we can call on the Holy Spirit to work in us to increase production. This requires submitting to Him. That is how we "walk by the Spirit". 

Submission Brings Joy

"The ordinances of the LORD are sure 

       and altogether righteous.

 They are more precious than gold, 

       than much pure gold; 

       they are sweeter than honey, 

       than honey from the comb.

 By them is your servant warned; 

       in keeping them there is great reward." Psalm 19:9b-11

Just as the heeding of traffic signs keeps us from danger, so obeying God's word keeps us from harm. When we ignore His instruction and make sinful choices, the consequences can cause us pain for the rest of our lives. How much better it is to comply and receive the great reward of joy that comes from submission.