Men Of God

by Jarvie, G. | Category: For Young Believers | Jun 1954

"Look ye out - from among you - men of good report, full of the Spirit and of wisdom" (Acts 6.3).

The Lord's work needs men, men full of the Spirit and of wisdom, and of good report. The Lord's work also needs women, full of the Spirit and of wisdom; for the Lord uses women also, in their own sphere, as He uses men.

"Full of the Spirit and of wisdom." These are the prime spiritual requirements in men of God. If these are lacking, then it is impossible, whatever natural gift or ability we may have, to serve the Lord acceptably.

In a previous article we dealt briefly with the fulness of the Holy Spirit; in this we shall consider the subject of wisdom. It seems almost presumptuous for anyone to write on such subjects, but these articles are not written as though the writer bad already attained, but as one pressing on, and encouraging others also to press on. The hymn-writer truly says

"And they who fain would serve Thee best

Are conscious most of wrong within."

There is a wisdom of this world, but it is not of this wisdom that we write, but of the wisdom that is from above.

"The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without variance (impartial), without hypocrisy (unfeigned)" (James 3.17).

This is the Holy Spirit's definition of wisdom. How different this is from a worldly idea of wisdom!

It is "first pure." We should note carefully what comes first. Purity, that is, purity of heart. Not merely purity in life from outward sin, but the purity of heart of those who would see God (Matthew 5.8). There is no concealed bitterness or deceit. The wisdom of this world is often shrewd, but the wisdom from above is pure. This is its first characteristic. "The sons of this world are for their own generation wiser than the sons of light," the Lord said (Luke 16.8). They are shrewd, but they are not pure. Their wisdom is not the wisdom from above.

"Peaceable." There is no wisdom among the quarrelsome, or among those who are touchy and easily offended. Those who cause strife and contention do not know the wisdom that is from above. The whisperer and the tale-bearer do not know this wisdom. True wisdom is a great healer and binder. The wise are not soon angry.

"Gentle, easy to be entreated." No self-will and always wanting to speak and have our own way. Willing to hear the minds of others, and to yield to the better way. Gentle, even when we cannot yield.

"Full of mercy and good fruits." We should have a gracious and forgiving spirit, remembering how God has dealt in grace and mercy with us.

"Without variance." Impartial. Not showing favouritism to those who are nearest to us. As faithful in the failures of our friends as we are with others.

"Without hypocrisy." Unfeigned, not pretending to be what we are not. Not thinking one thing in our hearts, and saying another thing with our lips.

These are the marks of true wisdom, the wisdom that is from above. Whence comes this wisdom? About this we are clear

"Christ, in whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hidden"

(Colossians 2.3).

Wisdom comes from the same One as does salvation-from Christ. Apart from Him, true wisdom cannot be found. How can we receive this wisdom? Again the answer is clear!

"If any of you lacketh wisdom let him ask of God, who giveth to all liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing doubting" (James 1.5, 6).

This great gift will be given for the asking. "Let him ask in faith." To doubt is to question the faithfulness of God. Among whom shall we find this wisdom? Once more the answer is clear.

With the lowly is wisdom" (Proverbs 11.2).

True wisdom is not with the proud, it is with the lowly. Perfect wisdom was only found in Him who said, "I am meek and lowly in heart" (Matthew 11. 29).

Who then offereth willingly to consecrate himself this day unto

the LORD?" (1 Chronicles 29.5).

Remember, it pleases God to choose the things that are not (1 Corinthians 1. 28). We cannot be too low down for Him to use us. But we must needs be men of good report, full of the Spirit and of wisdom. Let us yield ourselves without reserve to the Lord, so that He may fashion us as the vessels He would have us to be. Vessels unto honour, meet for His use!

Jarvie, G. | Jun 1954
For Young Believers