James 3:17 "But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere."
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Two forks in the road we walk each day...Self or Savior...
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The epistle of James maps out both paths and how they differ. In the third chapter he sets up the "But..." that starts the first quote above with the previous verse:
James 3: 16 "For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice."
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A former pastor of mine used to say that sometimes we need a "checkup from the neck up". We need to take stock of the central motivation of our lives. If it drives out of lifting self above others that will lead to jealousy as we jostle to move ahead and compare ourselves with those we judge to have more or who stand in the way of that ambition. If it's all about self, it becomes a narrow life that pulls down others to move self ahead.
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The other fork...the one less chosen...is a motivation that starts outside of self, from somewhere above. Like light, it gains entrance from without and illuminates within. Rather than the juggernaut of ambition there is the peaceful and steady flow of life, as a vine that bears fruit in its time.
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This is the way of Jesus, when He gains entrance to mind and heart and is embraced by choice and will.
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Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
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blessings,
Rob Smith
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"Death is inevitable. Life is a choice!"
John 11:25
Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live."
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