For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. – James 3:16
When we think about sin, we often focus on wrong actions like lying, cheating, or hurting others. We do our best to avoid actions we know are wrong, but we can still struggle silently with sin in our hearts. Our minds may feel like private places where the thoughts that go through make sense and are harmless to ourselves or others. We can get increasingly angry with someone without an outburst or grow in jealousy without recognizing how comparison has taken hold in our hearts. While we often think about sin as wrong things we do, throughout Scripture, the message of this passage is clear: Sin starts in our hearts. It may feel innocent to get caught up in comparison or even feel normal to make choices purely out of what feels best for us, but it takes a toll on our souls beneath the surface.
What we allow to fester and take root has a great impact on how we live and treat others. When we do not allow God to deal with the sin in our hearts and focus only on behavior management, we miss how destructive our sinful thoughts really are. Christ has made us new, not just to behave better but to be new creations from the inside out, and that begins with letting Him deal with the sin in our hearts and battling against it daily.
- What are some ways selfish ambition and jealousy take place in your thoughts? How do you respond when these thoughts come up?
- What are some ways selfish ambition and jealousy can lead to further sin? Why is it important to take this sin seriously?
- Pray and be honest with God about the ways you have been selfish or jealous—ask Him to heal what is broken in your life.
