“I know you have come to reason with me; but, I don’t need any new insights, fresh perspectives or new information. My mind is made up. I’m standing firm in this conflict. It’s a waste of your valuable time to talk to me about the matter. I won’t be budging an inch. I have no intentions of modifying my position or changing my perspective. When I make up my mind, I stand firm – I’ve got a spine. I’m no jellyfish. Don’t try to dazzle me with verses or what other Godly saints have taught. My Bible tells me this, and I am sticking with it! Frankly, I’m not interested in other perspectives, and yes, you can call me close-minded. But let me say this as graciously and as humbly as I can – I know what this verse means – so that’s the end of the discussion!”

So was that the monologue of a Christian with godly conviction or what? Is this the way we are supposed to be? Yes, that monologue was exaggerated to make the point. But are attitudes and behaviours like this characteristic of a Godly saint who is anchored in the Truth? Not according to the Apostle James!

Of all the New Testament writers, James seems to zero in on Christian attitudes and behaviour almost exclusively. “Forget about talking to me about Christ if you are not exhibiting Christ-like behaviour. If your behaviour contradicts your so-called beliefs – don’t even mention to me what you profess to believe.”

When James described Godly wisdom or wisdom from above he said it was distinguished by several things:

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. James 3:17-18

A wise, Godly person has, among other things, this quality: open to reason. Perhaps your Bible translates it – easy to be intreated. These Christians are sweetly reasonable. They are willing to yield. They are open to new information. They are reasonable people, open to hearing what others have to say. Ready to listen and learn from others. Willing to reconsider the meaning of a verse; willing to change positions on a matter if a new Scriptural understanding emerges.

The expression ‘open to reason’ or ‘easy to be intreated’ is only found in James Chapter 3 – nowhere else in the New Testament. A conciliatory attitude marks Christians who have spiritual wisdom. They are ready and fully prepared and, actually, offer to cooperate whenever a better way is shown. The expression means the opposite of being unyielding, obstinate, and stubborn.

It is never wisdom from above that causes a Christian to arrogantly dig in their heels and defiantly challenge an opponent with this expression: “Over my dead body!” Wisdom from above will never cause a Christian to say: “I don’t care what you say or show me. I will never, no, never change my mind.”

We should always care what others say. We should always be respectful. Our attitude should never be one of arrogance, and we should never be marked by stubbornness. Close-mindedness is not spiritual-mindedness. We should always listen to learn in case there is new light to be shed on a matter – not listen to collect ammunition to shoot the other Christian down.

Read the verse above once more and imagine how a controversial matter might be managed if the discussion was marked by wisdom from Above. The Christian who more deeply knows Christ will be craving a peaceful resolution. While others plot and scheme, the spiritual Christian will toss and turn through the night, praying for an amicable and peaceful resolution that will be a spiritual blessing to both sides of the controversy. The spiritual Christian will not be harsh or unduly rigorous but gently forbearing and willing to discuss a matter without using power or intimidation tactics to throw the other person off.

The Apostle Paul urged the Christians in Corinth on some issues, but he said he did it after the ‘meekness and gentleness of Christ.’ (2Corinthians 10:1) Paul reminded Timothy that when dealing with others as one who is serving the Lord, that he must not be quarrelsome but kind to all people, and if he had to correct an opponent, he was to use a gentle approach. (2Timothy 2:25)

Wouldn’t it be an accomplishment of eternal significance if people were deeply impressed with the gracious words that consistently came out of our mouths! (Luke 4:22) I am sure there could not be a higher achievement in life than to reflect Christlikeness in my life. Ecclesiastes 10:12 says: “The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious.”

So does any of this mean you should not be anchored in the Truth or that you shouldn’t have firmly held convictions as a believer? Absolutely not! It just means that when someone challenges your convictions, you should listen humbly and attentively, asking the Lord to further enlighten you and give you the grace to accept any new spiritual insights on a verse or a subject.

Walk carefully and closely with the Lord today.

Warmly in Christ,

Peter Ramsay

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