7 Ways Leaders Walk in Heavenly Wisdom

7 Ways Leaders Walk in Heavenly Wisdom

What if the wisdom God wants His people to walk in is unlike anything we ever thought about? And what if this heavenly wisdom helps us here on earth, especially as leaders?

Perhaps like me, you’ve done your own search for sources of earthly wisdom at various stages of life, particularly as it relates to leadership.

Because we find knowledge in many forms: reading, education, online classes, asking experts or family and friends, Google searches and so on,  gaining knowledge doesn’t always equal wisely applying it to life.

So what does all this mean when it comes to heavenly wisdom as Christian leaders?

Wisdom from heaven, spiritual wisdom, is knowledge we apply to our life here on earth.

Sure, there are good sources of wisdom on leadership, but when it comes to spiritual wisdom, we go to God’s Word.

Look at one way the Bible describes wisdom.

“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.” James 3:17 (NIV)

 

Let’s discuss these 7 things mentioned for walking in heavenly wisdom as Christian leaders.

Heavenly Wisdom: Pure, Peace-loving, Considerate

(1.) Pure. Heavenly wisdom is first pure. Pure wisdom is untainted by the world’s definitions and standards.

Also, we walk in pure wisdom by applying it to areas of purity: pure heart (Psalm 24:3-4; Psalm 51:10), sexual purity/marriage bed (Hebrews 13:4), pure in thoughts (Philippians 4:8) and a pure path through God’s Word (Psalm 119:9).

(2.) Peace-loving. Are we peace-loving, walking in wisdom that desires peace in our marriage, with our children, in all our relationships and in any areas where we lead? And are we wise by targeting peace as the end result in conflict-resolution?

Do others know me as a wise leader? What about as a person of peace?

7 Ways Leaders Walk in Heavenly Wisdom

(3.) Considerate. Some might say being considerate of others is a lost and forgotten art in our modern world. So how interesting to see it as an integral part of heaven’s wisdom.

At the heart of being a considerate person is guarding against selfish ambition and not walking in pride but in humility. Humility is an honorable characteristic for a leader. We see it in the life of Jesus who was part of the triune God. Even 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 describes love as considerate, not selfish or conceited. Are we considerate to friends, family, strangers, other believers and those we lead?

Heavenly Wisdom: Submissive, Mercy, Good Fruit

(4.) Submissive. To become someone who walks in heaven’s wisdom, we are submissive to God’s ways and commandments, the Holy Scriptures as truth and God’s counsel and voice.

Further, as heavenly wise children of God, we are submissive to the Holy Spirit’s leading, especially in the conviction of sin and our need to repent for forgiveness. This holds true for Christian leaders.

And we also submit to governing authority and in a loving and mutual respect in our marriage (Ephesians 5).

(5.) Full of mercy and good fruit. Wow. What a contrast to worldly wisdom. You may know someone wise by earthly standards, yet lacking in mercy and a life of good fruit.

But we walk as wise people and leaders by giving mercy to others as we have received mercy from our heavenly Father. We don’t withhold mercy, but understand the value of a merciful heart.

Heavenly wisdom is seen in our life by the good fruit we produce: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22).

Wisdom From Heaven

(6.) Impartial. God shows no partiality (Romans 2:11). Since God created us in His image and He daily makes us into the image of Christ, God wants to mold us into impartial people.

Do we view all of our children the same, not showing favoritism to one? And are we impartial in Christian groups and circles and Bible studies? What about in our communities? As a leader, do we recognize value in everyone God calls us to lead? 

(7.) Sincere. A heavenly wise person stops going through the motions and pretending everything is OK or that they are someone other than who they are in Christ.

So we walk as wise leaders when we possess sincere faith, genuine feelings and honest speech.

7 Ways Leaders Walk in Heavenly Wisdom

Practical application: Make a list of these 7 ways to walk in heavenly wisdom and ask the Holy Spirit to show you where you can become a wise leader by heaven’s standards.

Which way stood out to you?

Also see, What We Learn From the Greatest Leaders in History.

Featured images courtesy of Adobe Express.

Karen Friday

Whether the spoken or written word, Karen thrives in moving an audience to experience laughter, tears, surprise, and deep reflection. She not only possesses an affection for words (just ask her family), but she also cherishes God’s Word. Karen is an award-winning writer who has published both devotions and articles with a mission to know Jesus more and make Him known. She contributes to several national sites while she works on her first non-fiction book. In the blogging world, she is referred to as “Girl Friday” where she shares a central message: you are never far from hope. And she considers her life as a pastor’s wife and women’s ministry leader a sacred calling. Karen and her husband Mike reside in East Tennessee and have two grown children and two grandchildren. The entire family is fond of the expression, “TGIF: Thank God it’s Friday.” They owe Monday an apology. Connect with her blog community, Hope is Among Us.

More Posts - Website - Twitter - Facebook