For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind. James 3:16 NLT
People go through life hoping that the people they associate and interact with will consider them people of value. I don’t believe that anyone intentionally goes about saying, “I want people to hate me.” Yes, there are some with a disorder who might say that but it’s very unlikely that the average person has that thought. So, people are intentional about doing what is right. Even though for some, it’s a show to hide their motives. The Apostle James had some strong words for the Christians in his day.
He used some words that most people hate to have associated with them: jealousy and selfish ambition. The dictionary defines jealousy as a feeling of unhappiness and anger because someone has something you want. Proverbs 14:30 tells us, ”. . . jealousy is like cancer in the bones.” There are so many acts of violence committed because someone had possession of something or someone that another person wanted. Those feelings have no place in the lives of people of faith. Solomon described jealousy like cancer in the bones. Cancer is deadly; it kills. Jealousy will do the same thing to you.
Selfish ambition talks about elevating yourself at the expense of everyone else; all in all, it’s not a good quality. There are people in this world who would do what they can to be the best. Not necessarily the best worker but more likely, the best manipulator. They will twist the truth; take credit for your work; and tell lies to make themselves look good. But James had an equation for these people: jealousy plus selfish ambition equals evil of every kind. While David was running for his life he prayed in Psalm 141:4, “Don’t let me drift toward evil or take part in acts of wickedness. Don’t let me share in the delicacies of those who do wrong.” David decided that he will not resort to evil, even to save his life. He continued in prayer, ” I look to you for help, O Sovereign Lord. You are my refuge; don’t let them kill me.” verse 8. When confronted with those in whose lives were jealousy and selfish ambition, David went before God instead of resorting to evil. When faced with the same circumstances, choose going before God.
Thought for Today: Friend, Let the word of God guide your actions.
Have a blessed day and walk in faith and victory.
Victory Walk 
Let’s hide the word in our hearts.
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