For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice (James 3:16 NIV) James begins this little segment with a warning about two kinds of wisdom...one kind is shown by a good life, deeds done in humility that comes from wisdom. The other derives from bitter envy and selfish ambition - this is wisdom that does not come from heaven. James book speaks a great deal about the words we speak and the actions we portray to others. I am sure that we have all encountered situations wherein one person seemed to order things around them out of their personal ambition or deep feelings of bitterness. It never turns out right for them or for those around them. Jesus told his followers a story about a tree and its fruit. A good tree bears good fruit, a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks (Luke 6:45). We must constantly be on our guard for what is in our heart. I know we sometimes get offended and hurt by others...but when we place ourselves on the podium of importance and allow pride and envy to enter our hearts, along with bitterness, we do not hear the words of Jesus within us...strive always to bear good fruit so that your Master will be pleased with the wisdom you share with others....the wisdom James says comes from heaven and is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy, and good fruit, impartial and sincere... (James 3:17 NIV) God bless you on this last Thanksgiving holiday weekend... Pastor Julia
Posted on: Mon, 13 Oct 2014 12:29:15 +0000
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