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There is nothing quite like the fall harvest time. For many of us, fall is our favorite season. The spectrum of leaf color creates economic development opportunities in many local and distant communities. Everyone seems willing to drive somewhere to see the fall colors in state and national parks and, of course, anywhere there is a mountain. The apple and pumpkin harvests draw many travelers. But many other tasty vegetables come in the fall, too: cabbage, butternut squash, cauliflower, broccoli, potatoes, leeks, Brussels sprouts. I’ll stop there, or you may quit reading and go make a casserole or pot of soup!

This is stating the obvious, but someone had to sow seed and/or plant young plants that produced these amazing fall vegetables. Jesus knew what farmers have learned, and what many writers of scripture consistently confirm: Whatever one sows, one reaps. And the amount of the harvest correlates to how many seeds and young plants we put in our gardens.

A harvest of righteousness

Several oft-quoted scripture verses support the joy of the harvest and the work of plowing and planting that precedes it. Two verses caught my eye in James 3: “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”

Just a few verses earlier James was clear that what comes out of our mouths must be consistent with what is in our hearts and minds. “Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water?” he asked. “Can a fig tree, my brothers, bear olives, or a grapevine produce figs? Neither can a salt pond yield fresh water.”

In the early verses of James, we are told that if we lack wisdom we should pray for wisdom and that our generous God will provide what we need. Now in chapter 3 James returns to the topic of wisdom and poses this question: “Who is wise and understanding among you?” If the seminar leader or preacher asked this question from the stage, would we dare raise our hands? It seems a little proud to claim wisdom.

A  person of wisdom

The question begs for a response. James quickly interjects that it is by our good conduct that we demonstrate the works of wisdom through our meekness or humble strength. And now he reminds us that just like a fig tree can’t produce olives, we cannot display bitter jealousy or selfish ambition or lie and be a person of wisdom. The wisdom of God flows through humble and sincere hearts, and it will not be given to those with self-seeking agendas or approaches that create disorder. This truth applies to every context: the office, the team, politics, and the church.

Sown in peace

Finally, James gets to the key point for our moment together today: We will not see a harvest of righteousness unless it is sown in peace by the blessed peacemakers that Jesus called us to be, way back in his Sermon on the Mount. If we seek wisdom from above, we must understand what it looks like. It is first pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy, and good fruits. The good fruit is a part of the harvest that only comes when we plant the right truth and character in our lives.

The people in my life I have looked up to and who demonstrated lives filled with wisdom were not gossipers. They were not seeking title or fame. They never thought they were as smart as the people around them. Their lives demonstrated great kindness, mercy, and grace. They were not selfish, and they were usually the man or woman in the office, the church, and the community people turned to when things were in turmoil. They were the peacemakers. And why? Because they lived over many years consistently feeding on God’s Word, praying for wisdom, and practicing their faith quietly and humbly.

Our world is desperate for a good harvest of righteousness and peace. If we want to see that harvest, then we all must do the work of sowing the seeds of godliness in our hearts and minds.