TUESDAY January 14, 2020
Earthly Demonic Wisdom
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.
James 3:14-16
James pointed out that if there is bitter envy and self-seeking in the lives of Christians, evil lurks there. What does it mean to be self-seeking? A person is ambitious. They try to build their own kingdom because they have their own agendas. A Christian cannot be like that as we use our gifts and talents for God’s glory.
What is the root cause of self-seeking? Pride! What was Satan’s sin? Pride! The sin of pride was Satan’s downfall:
Ezekiel 28:15, 17: “You were perfect in your ways from the day you were created, till iniquity was found in you . . . Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty; You corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor; I cast you to the ground, I laid you before kings, that they might gaze at you.”
Isaiah 14:12: “How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, you who weakened the nations!”
The Scriptures reveal to us that God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints (1 Corinthians 14:33). If God is not the author of confusion, who is? Confusion happens through envious and self-seeking people. James helps us to identify what is at work when this is happening––every evil thing; it is demonic––Satanic. We are to be children of God who walk in the truth and in the light (1 John 1:7).
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth).
~Ephesians 5:8-9~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!