What Does It Mean to Be Supreme? (James 3:13-18)
When we think about being supreme, icons of success, power, and influence often come to mind—whether it’s Ronaldo in football, Shakespeare in literature, or Churchill in politics. These figures embody an elevated status that the world admires, yet their achievements don’t necessarily reflect the “supreme” wisdom described by James in the Bible.
In the Book of James, supremacy takes on a radically different angle. James was writing to second- and third-generation Christian communities who, much like us, faced a complex cultural landscape offering various forms of wisdom, some of which were far from godly. These Christians were navigating a world where cultural wisdom often contradicted the principles of Christ. Today, we find ourselves in a similar situation, constantly exposed to advice on success that sometimes borders on self-centred ambition, all in the name of wisdom.
But James challenges this view. True supremacy, he argues, comes from aligning ourselves with Jesus, the ultimate commander of a unified, faithful force. James urges us to seek wisdom from above—a wisdom that isn’t measured by worldly achievements but by our ability to live in humility and godliness. Proverbs 4:7 reminds us that “Wisdom is supreme; so acquire wisdom,” pointing us to a wisdom beyond human reasoning and ambition.
James 3:13-18 offers insights into what it looks like to be supreme in a godly sense. Rather than seeking authority or status, true supremacy is about following Jesus’s teachings and aligning our lives with the highest wisdom, which comes from God. This wisdom transforms us, guiding us in humility and unity with others, strengthening our role as Christ’s followers.
As we examine what it means to be “supreme” from a biblical perspective, we’ll see how wisdom shapes our actions, calls us to reject self-centred motives, and helps us embrace values that uplift and unify. Let’s dive into what James describes as “beautiful behaviour,” a practical outworking of God-given wisdom that demonstrates our supreme commitment to Christ.
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