The book of James is about seeking to develop a good community of believers living in harmony and peace with one another. It's all about seeking the good life that God wants for us. It involves seeking the wisdom that comes from God.
James is quick to note that there are ways in which this type of community can get derailed. I mention here part of the text (full text is James 3:13 - 4:3)
"Who is wise and understanding among you? Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not be boastful and false to the truth. Such wisdom does not come down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, devilish. For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there will also be disorder and wickedness of every kind. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy." James 3:13 - 17
Don't we get envious of others at times? We want to be like others or achieve what they have achieved. Our cravings can carry us to do ungodly things to obtain our wishes. It is better to be just who we are and how God has made us. It's to consider our own giftedness.
I believe we all need to take stock of how we are living out these good qualities that James mentions here. It is in this way that we will experience "the good life."
I would ask you to reflect on these words and may God's blessing being upon your contemplation and also on your worship this coming Sunday.
Pastor Marty
James is quick to note that there are ways in which this type of community can get derailed. I mention here part of the text (full text is James 3:13 - 4:3)
"Who is wise and understanding among you? Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom. But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not be boastful and false to the truth. Such wisdom does not come down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, devilish. For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there will also be disorder and wickedness of every kind. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy." James 3:13 - 17
Don't we get envious of others at times? We want to be like others or achieve what they have achieved. Our cravings can carry us to do ungodly things to obtain our wishes. It is better to be just who we are and how God has made us. It's to consider our own giftedness.
I believe we all need to take stock of how we are living out these good qualities that James mentions here. It is in this way that we will experience "the good life."
I would ask you to reflect on these words and may God's blessing being upon your contemplation and also on your worship this coming Sunday.
Pastor Marty
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