James 3:13-18
But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. (v. 14) As I first read this verse I immediately thought of politicians (across the board, some more than others) boasting about their accomplishments and either outright lying or stretching the truth or cherry-picking data to show the results they want us to see. I don’t know about the jealousy part, but clearly selfish ambition (reelection, personal advancement) contribute to their boasting and lying.
Then I let James’ words come a little closer to my own life – more personal. Again, I’m not sure about the jealousy; I’m too blessed in so many ways that I don’t see envy as a problem for me. But the selfish ambition – the NKJV translation says “self-seeking” – too true for me! And boasting… Way long time a problem for me and still a problem today. Years ago when I was a graduate student the leader of our Bible Study, a dear friend, counseled me about “tooting my own horn”. That pattern goes back to my childhood; there was clearly some personal motivation that kick-started it, but boasting and conceit were serious problems that finally began to diminish when I came to the Lord – but even then, I spent many years in the Lord before I began to see the Holy Spirit working in me to deal with those problems. Even today those issues remain, with my still wanting to be noticed for my accomplishments, for anything good that I have done. I am too fond of “the praise of men” (John 12:43). I battle constantly with my need for approval by others, even though it should be enough that the Lord loves me…!!
Verse 17b, here edited, offers an interesting list of traits in believers who seek “wisdom from above”: …pure, peaceable, gentle, reasonable, merciful, fruitful, impartial, sincere. Many of us have memorized Paul’s fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23); I’ve never heard James’ list cited, but it certainly is worthy! Makes me (and you?) want to seek more of that “wisdom from above”…!!
Slava Bohu!
James’ list needs a song, too, like Fruit of the Spirit! Need to add that to my memorization.