James 3:15-16—Disorder and every evil thing
This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. James 3:15-16
The apostle Paul had written to the church in Corinth, “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). And as James continued with his discussion and description of bitter jealousy and selfish ambition, I believe he wrote with the intention to motivate individual members of the church, when tempted this way, to reflect and repent. Recognize error in yourself when it is present—and repent, James was saying; otherwise, you will be operating in arrogance and will be lying against the truth (see James 3:14).
This wisdom is not that which comes down from above…
Bitter jealousy—a hostile sense of outrage because of someone else’s blessings—and the drive to advance your own agenda without regard for the precepts or plan of God or potential harm to others—is not wisdom from Heaven, no matter how “cutting edge” you may appear under the guise of a carefully-crafted image.
… but is earthly, natural, demonic…
Earthly. You are born from above if Jesus Christ resides in your heart, and your citizenship is in Heaven. Men of the earth strive and compete one against the other to gain advantage and power over each other; it is not so with sons and daughters of the Living God. However, when believers act on bitter jealousy, seeking to achieve their ambition by elbowing and manipulating their way ahead of other Christians for advantage, recognition, or position, they are no longer operating as citizens of Heaven but are living as the rest of the world, indistinguishable from anyone else. As James wrote in verse 10, “My brethren, these things ought not to be this way.”
Natural. The KJV translates this word as “sensual”. In other words, when you yield to bitter jealousy and selfish ambition, refusing to recognize it so as to receive God’s grace to change, you are giving in to your carnal nature, indulging your flesh, and are subjecting your choices and your future to an appetite for power and an ill-conceived passion for selfish advantage.
Demonic. If you submit to the passions of bitter jealousy or push, regardless of the implications, to force your way to the top or to gain advantage, know that the Spirit of God will work night and day to invade your consciousness with conviction and correction. However, sin is deceitful (see Hebrews 3:13), and just as surely as you can resist the devil (see James 4:7), you are also capable of resisting the Holy Ghost. Despite your profession of faith in Jesus Christ, if you persist in pursuing your own agenda, ignoring the urgings of the Spirit of God, you inadvertently open the door to demonic activity. So be very cautious when taking up earthly, natural, self-promoting means to fulfill your destiny. And beware the bitterness of jealousy. If you do not heed James’ warning, you may find yourself in alignment with the demonic realm.
For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.
When you allow jealousy and selfish ambition to drive your behavior, disorder and every evil thing cannot be far behind. Would you willingly open up your life to disorder, instability, and confusion? How about to every kind of evil thing? According to James, if you persist in these mindsets, your life will become a breeding ground for all sorts of nasty, chaotic things.
Know for certain that you are never entitled to nurse jealousy when others prosper, regardless of how unfulfilled your dreams may be in contrast. Likewise, pushy manipulation to achieve your goals is not merely another way to bring about what you desire; no. You are out of the will of God. Period.
If you recognize bitter jealousy sneaking into your heart or self-centered ambition driving your behavior, stop dead in your tracks, make an about-face, and run for your life to the Living God. However, if you choose to proceed with such earthly, natural, and demonic endeavors, don’t be surprised when disorder and every evil thing attends your way. James said it would.
Remember—it’s the kindness of the Lord that leads to repentance (see Romans 2:4). Yield to Him whenever you sense His conviction. You will spare yourself—and others—much heartache.
Dorothy