“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.” James 3:13

Just over a year ago someone bought a new mixer for our sound system at the church. Recently the thing quit working, just out of warranty, and a few guys set out to troubleshoot it. From the front, every thing looked great. Lights lit up and moved up and down when the microphone was engaged. But no sound came out! Others looked at it with the same result. To all of us it seemed to be broken. Yesterday, having maxed out OUR capabilities, I took it to a professional. After explaining the situation, Music Store Billy said nothing. He started hooking the mixer up to other parts, pushing buttons and turning knobs. The silence was deafening. When his head turned my way, I prepared myself to hear his professional and expert opinion. His words of wisdom? “It’s broken!”

Last night I needed to find something in the dark. I grabbed a flashlight and hit the button. Nothin’! I shook it. Why? Because SOMETIMES that is all it needs. Results? Nothin! Mentally noting to get new batteries, I used my cell phone light. Is this just coincidence or is God trying to teach me something?

The book of James is a tough one. Growing up as a teen and on into my 20’s, it became an unstated goal to avoid as much as possible when I read my Bible. Why? Because like stinky food in a refrigerator, it always managed to invade my personal space and force me to DO something about it! Something humans beings are usually reluctant to do.

I would like to say that Billy found a broken fuse or connector for a quick repair. But he didn’t. The only remedy for this sound device was replacement therapy! Billy kindly sold me a slightly used, but proven, working one. As I left the store he said, ”Hey… aren’t you going to take your old one with you?” With wisdom that ONLY comes from time and experience, I smiled and replied… “Why?”

I have learned that I don’t have room in my life for any more broken stuff. I have drawers full of ‘parts of things’ collected over the years, all kept under the headings, ‘Just in Case,’ ‘ya never know,’ and ‘maybe someday.’ NONE of which ever seem to come around.

I no longer mind when God leads me to read the book of James. Wisdom has shown that I do NOT always work correctly, and that some things in my life and attitude are in need of some ‘replacement therapy’ of their own. The results are always easy to see. Peace, consideration, submission, mercy, good fruit, sincerity and righteousness are always welcome sounds (James 3:17-18).

I have learned that when I am working right and properly connected, I can enjoy the sounds God produces through me, ALMOST as much as my Lord does.