Lillian GillespieReading the book of James, Chapter 3: 13-18 stuck out to me. In Lesson 2, we were taught that the wisdom for Hebraic leaders “begins with the fear of God.” In discussing wisdom, James explains wisdom that “comes from above” will be shown by good conduct and be “pure, peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without favoritism and hypocrisy.” Contrast this with earthly wisdom that is envious, selfish, unspiritual, demonic. When I think about my goals of growing into a better leader, cultivating wisdom, and pursuing justice, I am reminded that in order to even begin to achieve those things I have to turn myself to God. Hebraic leaders are different because they are bound to a higher power. This world is not the end-all be-all, and there is accountability after death. To be a good leader in this tradition, one has to be wise because we have more responsibility than an earthly/secular leader. We are servants to those we lead but we are also servants to God. If we claim him, we have entered into a covenant that calls us to a different, harder, and more rewarding life.
If I think about it, it isn’t hard to find examples of earthly and Hebraic leadership, both in the Bible and today. While we all admittedly fail, I think cultivating wisdom based in a fear of God ultimately equips Hebraic leaders to pursue blind justice and peace without fear of men. Holding myself to God’s standard makes it easier to withstand secular censure when Hebraic leadership chafes with secular mores, expectations, and priorities.
