Today’s edition of Morning Coffee with James for 8/9. God’s Word says, “But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. Wisdom of this kind does not come down from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every foul practice.” James 3:14-16 NAB “James has spent much of his book talking to us about the wisdom that comes from God alone. Here, he compares it to earthly wisdom, which is often characterized by bitter jealousy and selfish ambition. We hear the world telling us to set goals, achieve our dreams, make something of ourselves, become successful. This earthly wisdom sounds great on the surface. But within its words are hidden lies that lead to disorder and evil.” “When we swallow the wisdom of this world, we contaminate our spirits with something that isnt very pretty. When our friend gets the promotion that we wanted, that we worked so hard for, we cannot be happy for her. We become bitter, and even question her motives and her means to getting that promotion. When our goals and ambitions are selfish, then we dont care who gets hurt on the way to reaching those goals. This attitude leads to gossip, slander, and worse. Ambition is not wrong. Selfish ambition is wrong. We set goals of line up with Gods will for our lives, then we begin to have the wisdom and understanding the come from God alone.” “Father, please help me to conform my will to Yours. May my goals match Your goals for my life. Help me to recognize bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in my life, and where I find it, help me to correct it. I love You, and want to please You in all I do.” Brumbaugh, Renae. Morning Coffee with James.
Posted on: Sat, 09 Aug 2014 12:36:17 +0000