The Life I Am Building

In chapter 3 Nehemiah gives a list of all the people who came together to build the wall around Jerusalem. Everyone did his or her part and the wall, with its gates, were completed. The Lord does not call us to build walls around cities today but he does call us to build our own lives before Him. As we look at "The Life I Am Building" we must be aware of the truth found in Philippians 1:6; 2:12-13. God is sovereignly working in our lives and we have a personal responsibility in this process as well.

As you and I are building our lives we need to as ourselves, "Whose plans am I using to construct my life? Am I using the Lord's plans and His wisdom or that of Satan and his wisdom?" We find the answer to those questions in James 3:13-18

In verse 13 I must ask myself, "Am I wise and do I posses understanding?" Wisdom and understanding go together in scripture. Wisdom is the ability to use knowledge for correct behavior and insight. This definition encompasses understanding as well.

In verses 14-16 the wisdom described is of the world and demonic. It is all centered on the individual and causes division and confusion. I must be honest with myself and see if I am self-centered and cause turmoil wherever I go. Such behavior should not be a part of the life of a believer.

In verse 17 the characteristics of God's wisdom is given and once again I must be honest about my use of God's wisdom in building my life. We are told that God's wisdom is

First pure: free from sin; How much effort do I make to be free from sin?

Peaceable: Do I spread peace or confusion or uncertainty?

Gentle: Am I considerate of others or must I have my own way?

Open to reason: Am I willing to listen to other opinions

Full of mercy and good fruits: Am I compassionate and helpful to others?

Impartial: Do I listen objectively and not take sides?

Sincere: Am I real or do I put up a front? Am I a hypocrite?

In verse 18 we read, "And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. Dr. Kistemaker states, "Righteousness only grows in peace." Righteousness only grows in the heart where Jesus has given His peace. It will not grow where I am in charge demanding my own way and offending people.

As we all build our lives we also affect the lives of those around us for we always influence those who are around us. A constant evaluation of how we are building our lives and influencing others is an exercise all believers should practice.