day no. 17,141: there is no third way

James 3:13-18

Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. 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.

There are only two ways of seeing the world and the contrast between them is sharp. In our text this morning, James draws us a picture of this reality in high relief. Listen to his description: one is from above, the other is from below; one is true, the other is false; one is meek, the other is proud; one is Heavenly, the other is earthly; one is Spirit-filled, the other is unspiritual; one is angelic, the other is demonic; one is pure, the other is corrupt; one is sincere, the other is selfish; one is virtuous, the other is vile, one makes peace, the other creates chaos. In other words, the division between these two worldviews is beyond reconciliation. There is no middle ground on which they could meet. There is no neutral space they could both inhabit. God has fixed a great chasm between them that no man can cross. Worldly wisdom cannot reach Heaven, even on its tippy toes and the wisdom of God cannot be reduced to a TED Talk. Even when the wisdom of the world rises to its full height, it is still too short to ride the rollercoaster of God’s blessing. Even when the wisdom of God bends its knees, it still refuses to lick the floor.