Bible Verse of the Day Tuesday May 23rd, 2023

James 3:16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

Any person, especially a Christian who displays acrimonious envy and selfish aspiration, does not delude anyone, mainly themselves, concerning their wisdom. On the contrary, they are showing more worldly carnal knowledge that is certainly not of God, but from Satan. Therefore, the understanding spoken of in this verse is more characteristic of the world and Satan. Chaotic and disorderly Christianity occurs when envy and self-seeking are present in the body of Christ, but scriptural wisdom brings love, joy, and peace. Jealousy and self-centeredness are contrary and counter to Godly grace (humbleness) in the soul.

God’s assessment of wisdom is immensely different from a human standard of conduct. When we judge ourselves by human standards, we appear good. However, when we consider ourselves by God’s measurements, we see ourselves for what we are. When the Children of God enter any conflict, they show the world they operate on worldly wisdom. God’s assessment of wisdom is immensely different from a human standard of conduct. When we judge ourselves by human standards, we appear good. However, when we consider ourselves by God’s means, we see ourselves for what we are.

A minister, a Boy Scout, and a computer expert were the only passengers on a small plane. The pilot came back to the cabin and said that the plane was going down but there were only three parachutes and four people. The pilot added, “I should have one of the parachutes because I have a wife and three small children.” So, he took one and jumped. The computer whiz said, “I should have one of the parachutes because I am the smartest man in the world, and everyone needs me.” So, he took one and jumped. The minister turned to the Boy Scout and with a sad smile said, “You are young, and I have lived a rich life, so you take the remaining parachute, and I’ll go down with the plane.” The boy Scout said, “Relax, Reverend, the smartest man in the world just picked up my knapsack and jumped out." (This illustration taken from preachitandteachit.org). 

If we are only seeking worldly wisdom, then it requires little or no effort. God’s Word speaks of many examples of the foolhardiness of human wisdom. The Tower of Babel - seemed like a wise endeavor but ended in failure & confusion. Abraham went to Egypt when famine hit Canaan, and King Saul put his armor on David - David went instead with a sling, five smooth stones, and God! Disciples thought it wise to dismiss 5000 to find their food - Jesus fed them with a few loaves and fish. If we only seek worldly wisdom, then it requires little effort. If, on the other hand, we sincerely seek Godly Wisdom, we will joyfully receive the covenants of the gospel of Christ Jesus.