“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. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” James 3:13-18
Recently I found myself in a situation that had me scrambling for my bible as I knew what I was feeling wasn’t ‘Christ-like’.
The feeling of having to compete or show others how amazing I was because of envy, jealousy or pride had me feeling like an ‘evil Grinch’.
These emotions were familiar to me and made me panic. I use to be that person before Christ. And it was a side of me that I truly did not like.
I called on Christ to help me… to pull me out of the dangerous path I was going on. And I just love how HE brings things back into perspective for me. After reading James 3:13-18, I realized that this was exactly how I was behaving… and it could only lead as the bible says to disorder and every evil practice.
Not the direction I want to head in.
Food for thought: There are so many different situations in life that will put your back up and have you feeling pride, competitiveness, envy or jealousy… Be wise… stop and pray right away.
Prayer: Father. I AM. Our God who is, was and is to come. Thank you for your clear wisdom and truth found in your word. Thank you that we have your ear at all times and when in trouble you will always be there to guide and protect. Holy God, forgive us when we allow situations to trap us into ‘earthly wisdom’. May we continue to seek your truth. In Jesus name. Amen
May God’s peace, mercy and love be with you.