6 verses from James...

We have not finished going through the book of James... We were up to chapter 3, verse 13. The last discussion was on the tongue and how powerful this muscle is. How have you been doing with what comes out of your mouth? Are you using it for good or for harm?

We have a friend visiting from the states. She was telling us last night, how she has noticed the harmful effect father's words can have on the children. Not just the words that are spoken, but the tone and attitude demonstrated toward the children's mother,and how that models for the children how they speak to their mother. Her insight was confronting and helpful.

What a fresh reminder dad's, to rethink how we speak to our wife. If you don't know - ask your child - they will tell you. My son is gracious and helpful in giving me an update of his observations. Just ask your child, "how do you hear me speak to your mother?" Then, shut-up and don't defend - but listen! - Oh it will serve you well! Trust me brother!

Moving on to James 3:13-18

These next six verses are going to take us back to the theme of wisdom (3:13-18), contrasting godly wisdom with what is false and insisting on true wisdom as being pure and peace loving.

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his 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, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and every evil practice.
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 raise a harvest of righteousness.

Can you see the contrast of godly wisdom and what is false?

Brother it is going to effect your family if you are harboring bitter envy and selfish ambition in your heart... you know how I know? Because I was like this. I was harboring bitter envy and selfish ambition. It effected the way that I loved my wife and viewed my children. Instead of enjoying them, I became self absorbed. It was all about me! Instead of making it all about God first.

Wisdom that comes from heaven is pure, peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Does these traits exude from your life? They can't if you are focused on you.

Being a husband and a father is about others... Being a child of God is placing God first - not yourself!

Others will know you are a Christian by your love for others - because those who don't follow Christ are pleasing themselves first...