By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo
James 3:14-16 "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."
James was comparing godly and earthly wisdom, their qualities and characteristics. Among the signs of evil wisdom is strife envy, selfish ambition, confusion and every other evil practices. These give room to the devil to promote all kinds of evil. Some practice these things and pride in thinking it is wisdom as they enjoy tearing others down as they go into unhealthy competition.
Jealousy and envy are very poisonous to any attitude. They never allow their victims to see things objectively. Every time you feel hurt about the successes of others, and think it should have been yours, envy, jealousy, strife and all sorts of evil attitudes follow. You will only see the negatives. Destructive criticism follows with intention to pull the other down. Such attitude makes you desire and celebrate the down fall of others.
If we are to maintain a clear attitude towards others, let’s purposefully resist envy and jealousy. Deliberately celebrate those doing better while you may be struggling. Thank God for them as you believe God for your own victories. God’s seasons and times are different for different people. Yours will come, in it’s own way and time. There is enough for each one in God’s kingdom. Don’t be envious. Love others genuinely.
Galatians 5:26 "Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other." Romans 13:13 "Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy."
Shalom children of God.