Unit 3: Faith and Wisdom in James
Two Kinds of Wisdom | Bible Background • JAMES 3:13–18; 5:7–12
Printed Text • JAMES 3:13–18; 5:7–12 | Devotional Reading • PSALM 32:1–11
AIM FOR CHANGE
By the end of the lesson, we will: DESCRIBE the value of acting with wisdom from above and patience in the midst of trials, TURN from actions that have been done out of earthly wisdom and lack of patience, and EMBRACE wisdom from God and seek to demonstrate it.
IN FOCUS
Why does everybody act like Mr. Morris is so great?” Delilah asked. “He’s not all that.” “Mr. Morris?” Serena replied. “Mr. Morris is great. I’ve been buying from him for years. He never brags about anything; he just gets the job done.”
Mr. Morris ran the corner store and pharmacy. The store had been in the neighborhood and his family for three generations. Delilah was starting to patronize a new store in the area because she had some complaints about Mr. Morris. “The steps and the sidewalk outside are always dirty, and there are always people hanging by the door asking for money and prices are too high. Yet, Mr. Morris does nothing about it.”
“The prices are what they are,” Serena pointed out. “And as for how Mr. Morris runs his place, it’s what he doesn’t do that’s more important. Mr. Morris doesn’t hassle people for being broke. The other place does.” Serena went on, “And Mr. Morris knows his customers because he’s built up relationships over the years. It isn’t like that at the chain, and you know it. Didn’t you tell me last week that every time you go in, there’s always a new team of workers?”
With her hands on her hips, Serena finished, “Mr. Morris runs a good place. You would see that if you weren’t so cranky. It’s God’s role to judge, not ours.”
Could we measure up if God judged us the way we judge other people?