Successful at Godliness

James 3:13

Who is wise? James opens our reading with this question. I don't know about you, but the first few times I read this, I had to stop and ask myself, "what is wisdom?". So, I looked it up. The word wisdom used here by James literally means "experienced, practiced, or skilled" in context James is asking who is "good at life"? Or, we could word it in our modern day language and say "who is successful?" But, this question isn't the only one he asks. James also asks "who is understanding?" This one means roughly the same thing it means in our modern day language. "who is learned or knowledgeable?" Taken together, James is asking the question, "who is successful at godliness?" This is a powerful question to ask ourselves today. Are we "successful at godliness?" Do we even know what that looks like? James does. He tells us in the next sentence what we should look for to see it. Those who are really "successful at godliness" are those who are gentle and humble in their actions with others. Those who feel the need to force their will or control others with anger, volume, force, or any other non-gentle means are not "successful at godliness". Using James own criteria, how "successful" do you think you are at living out godliness? Being honest, just writing this devotional has made me realize I'm not as godly as I want to be. How about you? 

Prayer: 
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love and grace. Thank You for Your patience with me. Lord, please help me to live a life of gentleness with others that reflects my commitment to following Your leading. Thank You Lord, amen. 

Reflection: 
Using the criteria of gentleness and humility, how "successful" at godliness are you? 
What will you change this week?