O brethren! what we need in all the churches and in every heart is that “wisdom that is from above” (Jas. 3: 17). We are told that it is “first pure.” By wisdom James does not here mean what we usually mean by that term, but in it he includes the whole of the gift of God that comes to us in our salvation. It is “first pure,” then as a natural consequence of that purity it is “peaceable.” It loves peace; it seeks to be at peace with all. It is “gentle.” That gentleness which was manifested in the life of Jesus reveals itself anew in the hearts of those who are “first pure.” Love has no harsh words, no harsh feelings. It is full of mercy and easy to be entreated. Where this heavenly wisdom abides, there will not be a disposition to assert one’s own rights, to be self-willed, or to hold fast to one’s own ways; on the contrary, if its blessed presence fills our souls, we shall be merciful, kind, forgiving, long-suffering, pitiful, and we shall have the same tender feeling for our brother who has done us wrong as the father had for the prodigal. We shall be ready to run to meet him. We shall be ready to forget all the past. Our hearts will be filled with joyfulness at the expected reconciliation. O brethren there is nothing needed quite so much today and every day as that heart-quality that makes people “easy to be entreated.”
TALK THIRTY-TWO. FOLLOWING “WHITHERSOEVER”
One day as Jesus was passing along the highway, a man said to him, “I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest” (Luke 9: 57). This man no doubt was greatly impressed by the wonderful works and noble character of Christ. He thought that companionship with such a man would be full of blessing and richness. Just to see and hear would be worth any man’s time and effort—to hear the gracious words that came from His lips would enrich mind and heart; to see the mighty works done would inspire. To him it seemed to be one of the most desirable of all things. Christ’s answer to him, however, showed that following Him might well mean something more than this man had ever considered. His way did not always lead through pleasant places; His path was not always to be rose-strewn; not always would the multitude look on Him with favor. Whether this man followed Jesus we are not told, but following evidently meant more to him now than it had meant before.