14 JUNE

EARTHLY WISDOM LEADS TO VILE PRACTICES

“But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.”

(James 3:14-16)

What strong words! There is an Igbo adage coined and used by people who get financially rich by cheating or defrauding others, to justify their unchristian and demonic methods: ”Agwô eno rô ebeya anarô eto” –  meaning, “If a snake does not swallow another snake, it does not grow.” Unfortunately, the society which, before the 1970s, would ostracize any one of questionable riches, now hails those financially rich as “wise”, irrespective of their methods.

This is earthly wisdom. Some of our youths seem to copy these “role models” and think the most important thing in life is to be rich. No wonder many of our youths want to be instantly rich!

Of a truth, money answers all things but the love of money is the root of all evil. Those who do not want to follow these evil ways, want to veer into careers that yield money quickly in the short run but may not be sustainable. Some of them leave their academic pursuits and God-given purpose, using earthly wisdom which may bring vile practices.

The question for us today in making choices is: “What is your motive?” The most important thing in life is to find and know Jesus as Lord and Saviour, and follow our God given vision and purpose, in God’s own way. The rich also cry!  Some have abundant worldly goods but no peace and no joy. Joyfully and thankfully accept God’s blessings and rewards for diligent work and strife.

ACTION: Shun worldly wisdom.

PRAYER: May bitter jealousy and selfish ambition not be found in my heart. May I always have God’s peace and joy.