False Wisdom is Ugly
James 3:14-16 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.
Some people pretend to be wise, but then, when you scratch below the surface, you find that they’re anything but. What makes this so dangerous is that often those same people are … so confident; often they’re incredibly successful and so we fall for that.
Those sorts of people lead many astray into ways of thinking, into ways of behaving, into ways of living, that end up ruining your life. That’s why you and I need to be so incredibly discerning when it comes to deciding who we are going to allow, to influence our lives.
It won’t come as a surprise that some people are wolves dressed in sheep’s clothing. You’ll find them at work, sadly sometimes at home and yes, you’ll find them in your church too. And here’s what their brand of wisdom looks like:
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. (James 3:14-16)
Envy and selfish ambition – those two things go hand in hand. Some people are only in it for what they can get out of it for themselves. And sometimes, they’re in the most unexpected of places. I remember having something to do with the head of a large, well–known, global ministry who was far more interested in his reputation and self-promotion than he was in seeing people’s lives changed by the love of Jesus.
When others in his organisation succeeded, instead of celebrating and praising God, he became envious. It poisoned his heart, it damaged the ministry and it ended his career.
Sure there are people out there who are flashy, successful, articulate, capable of leading a crowd. But the questions to ask ourselves is: Why are they doing it? What is the motivation of their heart?
Because let me tell you, their words, their actions, their facial expressions and body language, their decisions will ultimately betray what’s going on in their hearts. They can’t help it. So be wise yourself. Take the time to watch and listen, before being seduced by what is, ultimately, worldly, self-interest that holds itself out to be ‘wisdom’.
You will know a tree by its fruit, right? And while we’re at it, what does your fruit say about your heart? What motivates you? If it’s selfish ambition, if you find yourself becoming envious of other people who succeed, then it’s time to look for a different sort of wisdom.
In our world. We’re taught that success is the most important thing. But envy and selfish ambition have nothing whatsoever to do with wisdom.
That’s God’s Word. Fresh … for you … today.
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