A Nugget from New Life Network
(by Chris Musgrove of Future Now)
Scripture for the Day – June 1, 2020
James 3:14-16: But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.
The Amplified Bible says, “But if you have bitter jealousy (envy) and contention (rivalry, selfish ambition) in your hearts, do not pride yourselves on it and thus be in defiance of and false to the Truth. This [superficial] wisdom is not such as comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual (animal), even devilish (demoniacal). For wherever there is jealousy (envy) and contention (rivalry and selfish ambition), there will also be confusion (unrest, disharmony, rebellion) and all sorts of evil and vile practices.”
Envy and self-seeking are not from above but are sensual. Sensual living (walking in the flesh) is the domain of the five senses, concerned with this life only. Being sensual is being lustful, having illicit desires and unclean practices that open a person to the demonic.
Galatians 5:6 says, “Walk in the Spirit, and you won’t fulfill the lusts of the flesh.”
Hebrews 12:15 says, “Looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled.”
A move of God can quickly be stopped if you allow a root of bitterness, anger or jealousy to grow. If allowed to grow, it leads to confusion which in the Greek is disorder, commotion, and instability. It will infect the life of a family and a congregation, and it leads to every evil work. Paul describes this in his letter to the Church at Corinth in II Corinthians 12:20, “For I am afraid that when I come I may not find you as I want you to be, and you may not find me as you want me to be. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder.”
The New Living Translation says, “For I am afraid that when I come I won’t like what I find, and you won’t like my response. I am afraid that I will find quarreling, jealousy, anger, selfishness, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorderly behavior.”
In James 4:5-10 is our answer to James 3:14-16 when it says, Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.
Draw near to God!!!!!!!
