Egyházi Értesítő, 1990 (314-325. szám)
1990-02-01 / 315. szám
WHO IS WISE? Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good life let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. James 3:13* We are still on the way, aren't we? I might just mention that the Way was a very early description of the Christian life (Act 19:9)« Very appropriate, too since we are the followers of the one who is the Way. Following someone is different from aimless wandering: it is marked by the free acceptance of the leader's guidance and wisdom. There is a way that is wise. The prophet Isaiah unflatteringly told his peaple that they showed less wisdom than did God's more humble creatures:'The ox knows its owner...but Israel does not know, my people does not understand'(Isa. 1:3)» Were the people really less clever than oxen and asses? Hardly! Isaiah's message was that the ox demonstrated its wisdom in knowing and trusting the one who fed and cared for it. In contrast, the beh&lvour of the people indicated that they lacked the deeper wisdom of the ox. They chose their own way and wandered off into a maze of their own selfishness. They sinned and suffered, all because they ignored the wisdom of the One who really cared for their welfare. James wants us to pause for a minute sind consider: "Who is wise? Is wisdom knowing a great deal about many things? Or was the ox right because wisdom is a way of life? Even though we may have much knowledge, even about the will of God, do our actions reflect a life 'that is first pure, then peaceable., gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits'? Or do we often find ourselves following a way that leads to bitter jealousy and selfish ambition? Our lives are the true measure of our wisdom. Even those who walk in 'the Way', do not always find it easy to be truly wise. Yet the wisdom that makes us free, is freely available from the same Lord who gives wisdom even to the ox. Jesus has taken the consequences of all our unwise decisions on himself, and now daily offers us his help and guidance: 'Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for. I am gentle and lowly in heart' (Matt.11:29)• Lord, teach us tc live lives wise in your ways. Amen. Egyházi Értesitó. 1990 február hó
