Wisdom to Do the Right Thing
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. James 3:13 NIV
Exhausted, I hauled myself out of the pool after spending four hours straight in the water as a swim instructor. My weight had plummeted, my ribs showing through my swimsuit. I saw our manager through the glass office sitting at her desk chatting on the phone instead of helping with swim lessons. She only taught classes she liked, one or two a day. Resentment welled up within me because her absence impacted our department. I considered complaining to the CEO, but the Holy Spirit whispered, “Don’t complain, tattle, or rally your defense. Show yourself blameless.” So, I trusted God and continued teaching more hours than our instructor’s guidelines recommended.
People I knew, concerned, asked, “Are you doing okay?”
I replied, “I’ve been teaching a lot lately. Seriously, I eat!”
One day, our gym’s CEO made a similar comment. I gave him the same answer when he expressed concern. “How many classes do you teach each day?” he asked.
“Four,” I replied, scanning the swimmers.
“How many days a week are you teaching four classes?”
“Five—for the past several weeks.” I wanted to complain but didn’t.
“Hmmm. I see.” He stood by my lifeguard chair, thoughtful, and then left.
A few weeks later, I came to work and learned my boss had been fired and a seasoned pool staff member had been promoted. What a relief! Our new manager treated us fairly and worked alongside us. I’d discovered that when I complained, I looked like a whiner, and rallying support for my cause made me seem like a troublemaker. Instead of following my heart, I listened to the Lord. As a result, He took care of the issue through the CEO and blessed our department.
James 3 tells us that our words have the power to influence people for good or destroy them. James follows it with wisdom in verses 13 through 18. Wisdom helps us control our words by yielding our will to God’s will. Certainly, our anger might be justified, but what we say and do changes the outcome. The world may tell us to follow our hearts, but God says that letting our emotions affect our decisions will only lead to trouble. By humbly yielding our will to God, He empowers us to release our pride and put His Word into practice, producing peace.
Are you being unfairly treated? God’s seen what’s happening. Talk to Him about your situation and wait for His response because God is the source of wisdom (James 1:5). He will generously give you insight. You may not see God work in it for a while but don’t lose heart. He will either deal with it for you or provide a way out so you are not tempted to do something you regret (1 Corinthians 10:13). By trusting God with your issue, He will bless you and others around you with peace.
Questions for Reflection:
1. Have you ever felt you were being unfairly treated? What did you do about it?
2. If you have ever been in a situation like this have you ever considered just letting go, handing your burdens over to God, and asking for divine guidance?
