Daily Devotional for Sunday, March 30

Strife Causes Confusion and It Is Evil

“Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.  For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work,”  James 3:13-16. 

James addressed the destructive nature of strife and the havoc it wreaks upon individuals and churches. He began by contrasting two types of wisdom: one that is pure, peaceable, gentle and easy to be entreated, and another that is characterized by bitterness, envy and selfish ambition. The former originates from above, while the latter is earthly, sensual and demonic.

Strife, James asserts, arises from earthly wisdom. It emerges when Christians prioritize their own desires and ambitions over the well-being of others, leading to conflict, confusion and ultimately to evil. Strife thrives in an atmosphere of pride and self-centeredness where each person seeks to assert his own agenda at the expense of unity and harmony.

Strife disrupts relationships, divides churches and hinders the gospel. Moreover, it creates an environment ripe for the growth of other vices such as jealousy, anger and resentment. Ultimately, strife opens the door for the enemy to sow seeds of discord and destruction.

As followers of Christ, we are called to embody the wisdom from above—the wisdom that is pure, peaceable and gentle. This wisdom leads us to pursue peace with all people and to prioritize love and unity above personal agendas and grievances. It prompts us to humble ourselves before God and others, recognizing that true greatness is found in service and self-sacrifice.

CHALLENGE

Let us, therefore, guard our hearts against the insidious influence of strife. Let us cultivate a spirit of humility and compassion, seeking always to build up rather than to tear down. 

Steven Ridings