Pinnacle Leaders Podcast: How to Live Wisely in Chaotic Times According to the Book of James

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

ABOUT THE EPISODE

As a Kingdom leader, you’ve been invited to get in touch with God’s wisdom. In James 1:5, scripture says “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” So how do we lean into the heavenly wisdom available to us? On today’s show, Dr. Randal Langley, President of Christian Life School of Theology Global, will be sharing a recent message he preached at Liberty Church in Pensacola, Florida explaining what the book of James teaches about living from God’s wisdom.

EPISODE OVERVIEW

As a Kingdom leader, you’ve been invited to get in touch with God’s wisdom. In James 1:5, scripture says “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” So how do we lean into the heavenly wisdom available to us? On one of the latest episodes of the Pinnacle Leaders Podcast, I shared a recent message I preached at Liberty Church in Pensacola, Florida explaining what the book of James teaches about living from God’s wisdom.

To understand the importance of living according to God’s wisdom, it’s helpful to have insight into what happens in the absence of wisdom. According to James 3: 14-16…

“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, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”

So, what is wisdom? Here are six attributes of God’s wisdom that will help you navigate life Biblically, even in the midst of chaotic times:

1. The wise cultivate a pure heart. James 3:17 states, “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure…” Although purity doesn’t mean that we’re expected to be perfect, it does mean that we need to have a genuine desire to love and please God.
2. The wise love peace. James 1:20 states that “…human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.” “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
3. The wise are considerate. Remember the old adage, “People don’t care that you know until they know that you care.” Part of heavenly wisdom is understanding. Solomon asked God not for wisdom, but for an understanding heart. We need understanding in the day and the hour in which we live.
4. The wise are willing to yield (submit). A lot can be accomplished when we’re willing to yield our way to the possibilities of another way. Wisdom that comes down from above is submissive, or willing to yield.
5. The wise minimize the mistakes of others. Scripture states that, “…love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8).” Wisdom is full of mercy and good fruit. In James 2:13, we learn that “…mercy triumphs over judgment.”
6. The wise are authentic. Be honest; you can’t be wise and hide at the same time. Ask yourself if there’s something in your life that you’re hiding.

Becoming familiar with these attributes of wisdom will help you discern whether the wisdom you’re following is worldly, natural wisdom or wisdom from above. God wants us to walk in wisdom so that we can be “peacemakers who sow in peace” and “reap a harvest of righteousness” (James 3:18).

Subscribe to the Pinnacle Leaders Podcast with Dr. Langley to learn more about this topic and others containing Biblical wisdom on the areas of lordship, leadership and lifestyle.

RELATED READING

• The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership (PT511) – In this online course, available through Christian Life School of Theology Global (CLSTG), students will study and learn to apply the 21 laws of leadership as defined and written by Dr. John Maxwell. Clear, practical, and life-changing, this course offers a wealth of practical insights on what it takes to be an effective leader. Get started with this online course today: https://www.christianlifeschooloftheologyglobal.org/course/the-21-irrefutable-laws-of-leadership-pt511/
• The Ministry of the Holy Spirit (BT820) – This online course, available through CLSTG, focuses on the ever-increasing manifestation and work of the Holy Spirit in the last days preceding the return of Jesus Christ. Learn more about this course by visiting: https://www.christianlifeschooloftheologyglobal.org/course/the-ministry-of-the-holy-spirit-bt820/

QUOTES & SCRIPTURE TO REMEMBER

• “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” – James 1:5
• “Part of heavenly wisdom is understanding. Solomon asked God not for wisdom, but for an understanding heart.” – Dr. Randal Langley
• “A lot can be accomplished when we’re willing to yield our way to the possibilities of another way. Wisdom that comes down from above is submissive, or willing to yield.” – Dr. Randal Langley
• “God wants us to walk in wisdom so that we can be ‘peacemakers who sow in peace’ and ‘reap a harvest of righteousness’ (James 3:18) even in the midst of chaos.” – Dr. Randal Langley