Are you envious of others? Is there bitterness in your heart? Are you seeking personal praise? Do you strive to convince others your views are the right views or to get people to take your side of an argument? Have you realized these are merely earthly concerns?
Envy is often a driving force, whether we recognize it or not. We work to purchase a bigger house, a new vehicle, new clothes, or any of the many adult toys. We compete with one another to look more successful and happier. It is all about appearances.
We are to see our ambition for what it is. We are to evaluate our motives. We are to see the truth of why we are striving. To see the truth, we will need to ask God to reveal it us. We may need to hear the truth from a family member, friend, or co-worker. It can be difficult to hear, but we need to be willing to listen and consider the message may be coming from God.
James very bluntly tells us our envy and selfish ambition is not from God. He goes so far as to call it devilish. In other words, it is Satan’s temptations and his influence over us that causes us to be this way. We are not following Jesus’ commands nor the principles He taught in parables when we are envious or being selfish.
Unfortunately, we often disguise it as being something for God or we simply don’t recognize we are acting that way. It is only by focusing on God’s Word, honestly asking God to reveal our faults, and being willing to listen to good counsel that we can overcome it. Seeking God’s wisdom in all we say and in everything we do is our best approach. Otherwise, we fall prey to Satan’s schemes.
I pray we all open our eyes and recognize our faults. I pray we see Satan’s schemes to cause division. I pray each one of us seek God’s wisdom by reading his Word and prayer. Open your eyes. Open your mind. Evaluate your motives. See Satan’s schemes. Seek God’s wisdom. Read God’s Word. Ask God in prayer.
James 3:14-15 But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not be boastful and false to the truth. Such wisdom does not come down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, devilish.
Marty Pressey 