181 James: The Way to Wisdom

There’s a big difference between faith and foolishness.  That is why we need wisdom.

How do we get wisdom? James says: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all…” (vs. 5)

Of course, the primary source of wisdom is God’s Word.  But God can also lead and guide His children by giving them direct insight regarding situations that they are facing. He can impart wisdom to us apart from His written Word but never at variance with His written Word.

But James goes on to give a qualifier to receiving wisdom. He says we must “believe and not doubt.” That doesn’t mean if you have one shred of doubt God won’t answer. Rather, you must be open to the possibility that God can speak before you'll ever hear Him speak.

If you aren’t even open to the possibility of God giving you wisdom, then such unbelief will be a self-fulfilling prophecy. And as a result, in your “double-mindedness,” you will bounce around from here to there on the waves of human opinion.

God is ready, willing, and able to speak wisdom to us. Our challenge is learning to listen.

There’s an intriguing Old Testament story that gives us some insight into how to listen to God. It’s found in 1 Samuel 3.

Here we have young Samuel – probably about 12 years old. He was living in the Tabernacle under the tutelage of the priest Eli.

One night, Samuel hears a voice calling his name. Assuming it’s his guardian, he runs to Eli and says, “Here I am.” Eli replies, “I didn’t call you. Go back to bed.”

This happens again, and again Eli sends Samuel back to his bed. The third time it happens, Eli realizes it must be the Lord calling him. He tells the boy to go back to bed and if the voice calls again to say, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”

When the Lord called again, Samuel replied as Eli taught him, and thus began a lifetime of listening to God.

What can we learn from Samuel’s experience that can give us insights for listening to God?

1.     Listen expectantly.
 
If you’re convinced that God can’t or won’t speak to you, then guess what?  You won’t hear anything.  The starting place for anyone in this whole area of listening to God for wisdom is being open to its possibility.

2.     Listen quietly.

In our day, that’s no small challenge. In the midst of all the noise, it’s next to impossible to hear God’s voice.  That’s why the Psalmist wrote in Ps 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God.”

3.     Listen patiently.

Psalm 62:1 says, “My soul waits in silence for God only.”

While wisdom sometimes comes quickly, many times God does not tell us what we want to know instantaneously.  He doesn’t speak on demand. We must persevere in seeking Him.

4.     Listen submissively.

Samuel’s reply to God’s call was, “Your servant is listening.” It was a posture of total submission. “Just say the word, God, and I’ll act on it.” 

Many people do not really want to know God’s guidance for their lives. They want “inside information” to make their lives easier.

The wisdom that God wants to give is for us to live for Him, not for ourselves.  And until we come to grips with that, He may not have much to say.  

5.     Listen corporately.

There is untold value in being part of a community that can help you process what you think God might be saying to you.  

Text: James 1:5-8  

Originally recorded on January 31, 2010, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN