Every day, we're faced with difficult decisions about our lives.  We worry about everything! (or at least, I do)  Simple things, like, what to eat for lunch, to 'should I do...'.  Long story short - we're limited by our finite vision and limited understanding of the world around us.

So as Christians, how do we make wise and good decisions?  More importantly, how do we know what God wants in our lives?

James writes that we should, through faith, demonstrate our knowledge to the world around us.

The word "Rabbi" means "great one".  As a preacher, a rabbi shared his wisdom with the world.  We can spread the Word by our good deeds, humbly serving others.

But the sad reality is, we're rarely like that.  As Christians, we strive to do these things, but often, we're bitter and envious.  We're selfish.

We should turn to God for help.  Because if He's wise enough to make the world we see, surely He has answers to our problems!

Our wisdom is rooted in this world - Earthly wisdom.  Its based entirely on the things around us, the things we can touch, feel, smell, taste, or see.

But there's a sense of heavenly wisdom that we often forget about. When Abraham and Lot picked their respective ways, what did Lot base his decision on? The lushness and beauty of the land.  How often do we go through our lives picking the "beautiful" choices?

What is humility?  What is selfish wisdom?

If we claim to know God, and claim him our personal saviour, then we must act accordingly.  What use is it just to study the Word, talk about the Word, but not LIVE the Word? Its not enough to "have conversations" about our faith - nor is it enough to read the Bible each day.  We must apply the things we learn.  Even Demons know about God and acknowledge His existance!

What happens when we don't acknowledge Him?  What happens if we don't live the Word?  Verse 16 mentions a "disorder" and "evil".  Wisdom from heaven is pure, holy, and sanctified.  Its set apart from all things on this earth.  As Christians, His spirit regenerates and lives within us.

Does all of this happen automatically?

Matthew 7:24 illustrates a good point.  We must have our houses (and thus our lives, and all we do and believe in) built on a solid foundation.  Everyone looks and hears! Knowing God doesn't make you great! How do your actions glorify God?

The most dangerous thing today is Religion without Jesus. What use is it to believe, know, and discuss our religion?  What use is it to compartmentalize our lives in such a way? We must LIVE that out!  Can you bow before your Father and Creator, proclaiming His majesty and SUBMIT your life to Him?  Can you humble yourself in that way?

Luke 12:13 tells the story of the Rich Fool.  All he's concerned about is "I" and "Me" and "My". He may be wise in worldly wisdom - for he chooses to store his wealth.  But he also thinks, "If my soul delight in these things, then I have lived life to the fullest!"

What use are stored grains?  His actions are NOT rich towards God.  Do not ONLY delight in the things of this world, for there is far more in store for you in Heaven!  You do not own the fruits of your land. We are merely stewards of this Earth, and thus, we must do everything in our power to look after and take care of it. Do not be anxious over abundance of your land, for God granted you such abundance.  Do not "store it away" as though it is the only thing you have - He will always provide for you.  We must be responsible stewards for what we have received.  The rich fool lost his joy of being contempt.  When we release the source of the gifts, we will praise Jesus!  That's the joy in living - praising God!

Matthew 25 tells the story of the brides, who don't share their oil with the others.  Their goal in life is to be ready when the bridesgroom comes.  Blessed are the ones who prepare and are ready for that day, for they went and bought more oil so their lamps would be lit.  Remember - we can't borrow oil from others. We can't ride on the good graces of someone else, into Heaven!

Bottom line: We are wise if we are children of God. Proverbs 2:1-5.  Seek God!  Remember, God is the ONLY source of wisdom.  The wisdom of the wisest man is foolish!  If you think you lack wisdom, pray and ask for wisdom!  (James 5:1-3).  "Lord, show me your heart!".  Meditate on the Word of God.  Read, think, and most importantly, CHANGE.  The application of the knowledge of God is essential!