A great message from Dr John MacArthur this morning.
Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing” (James 3:16).
James is saying: man is self-centered (cf. James 3:14, 16). Where self-centeredness exists, there will be negative results. One such result is “disorder” (v. 16). The term refers to disorder that comes out of instability and chaos. Earthly wisdom will never produce harmony or love because it’s proud and self-indulgent. It destroys intimacy, love, unity, and fellowship, and in its place brings discord and chaos. You can see the result of earthly wisdom all over our world today. Anger, bitterness, lawsuits, and divorces are just part of the legacy.
“Every evil thing” also results from earthly wisdom (v. 16). The phrase speaks of something worthless or vile. Greek scholar R.C. Trench said it contemplates evil, “not so much that either of active or passive malignity, but rather of its good-for-nothingness, the impossibility of any true gain ever coming forth from it.” The Greek word translated “thing” implies that false wisdom produces nothing of any practical value. At its best it produces worthless things; at its worst it produces vile things.
Which kind of life do you prefer? One that is characterized by love and unity, or by instability and chaos? A life with fulfillment and meaning, or with emptiness?
Prayer Request
Rabon was released from Levines Children’s Hospital. After numerous test they ruled out a heart problem. Praise the Lord. He will be referred to a pulmonologist.
Jack Hall is feeling better but still in Mission dealing with gallbladder issues.
Bramley was taken to Mission overnight with AFib and is still in the ER. He will probably be admitted into the hospital later this morning.