James 3:16-18

Passage

For where there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there is defiance of authority and every deed or moral baseness.  But the wisdom from above is on one hand first pure and then peaceful, forbearing, obedient, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and genuine.  And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by the ones who make peace.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Today we finish speaking about jealousy and selfish ambition.  James is quite clear in these verses.  Where there is jealousy and selfish ambition there is defiance of authority and deeds of a morally base character.  These things go hand in hand.  When we put ourselves first, we will defy authority to get what we want.  When we think of ourselves first, we will act so that we can get what we desire.  Evilness begins in the heart.  Evil begins when I think about myself first.

Why is it our nature to think of ourselves first?  Why are we inherently more interested in getting our own way than helping our neighbor?  Do you think this is truer in the present than when you were younger?  Why or why not?  Have you ever thought about the fact that evil begins when you think about yourself ahead of others?

Second Thought:

James then shows us the opposite.  James shows us what can happen when we follow God and no longer put ourselves first.  We become pure.  We become willing to forbear.  We are peaceful.  We are obedient.  We are merciful.  We produce good fruit.  We become impartial.  We become genuine.  All of these things begin with being willing to remove ourselves from the center and no longer bowing to jealousy and selfish ambition.

Is there a reward for following God’s ways?  Do you see this list of attributes as a reward?  Have you ever wanted more of these characteristics in your life?  Does it make sense that these characteristics come to those who are humble and obediently submissive before God?

Third Thought:

Then James drives home his point.  The fruit of righteousness is sown by those who are actively engaged in peace.  If you want to be righteous, life must be about someone other than you.  If you want to be about peace, life must be about something other than you.  It’s really not that complex to understand.  But it is complex to do.  It is also quite complex to buy into this idea.

Why is it hard to make life about something besides yourself?  If this is true, might it explain why there is so little peace in the world?

Passage for Tomorrow: James 4:1-3