Galatians 5.26
“Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.”
Paul warns against self-centeredness because it destroys marriages, families, organizations, teams, and schools. It will ruin a community and a nation.
As we saw yesterday, the book of James has much to say on the topic of arrogance and self-centeredness: “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. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” (James 3.14-18)
Like Paul in Galatians, James warns against the destructive forces of selfishness, arrogance, and envy. He tells us that self-centeredness is not from God; rather, it is from the enemy. When people are directed by jealousy and selfish ambition, there will be disorder, confusion, and chaos. How could it be otherwise? When people are selfish, there is no shared commitment to a vision. No alignment. No team. No community. No standards other than the pursuit of selfish interests and passions. Directed by this mindset, people will manipulate and deceive in order to get what they want. As James says, they will engage in “every vile practice.”
This applies to all people, but has particular application to those in positions of leadership in churches, companies, teams, communities, and government. Nothing is more destructive to an organization or team than leaders who act from selfish ambition. Sadly, it happens often, and the consequences are devastating. We need only look at the climate of our current political and social discourse to see the disastrous impact of selfishness and arrogance.
Jealousy and selfish ambition reside in the heart. Self-centered people try to outwardly act as if they are genuine and sincere, when in fact they are deceitful and manipulative. James’ message to these people is this: Do not boast and be false to the truth! Or to put it more bluntly: Be quiet! We don’t want to hear your lies! You say many things and make lots of promises, but you are only out for yourself.
In contrast to self-centered, manipulative people are those who operate from the true wisdom that comes from God. James describes this godly wisdom as “pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” Here is a brief explanation of that list of attributes:
Pure = motivated to do what is right.
Peaceable and gentle = not combative. Seeks common ground and alignment.
Open to reason = engages in honest, candid conversation. Speaks truth, hears truth, and is a good listener.
Full of mercy and good fruits = seeks the best interest of others & acts with integrity.
Impartial and sincere = fair, objective, and real.
Wouldn’t it be great if our government and political leaders displayed these attributes? Wouldn’t it be great if our business, educational, and community leaders had this mindset? Wouldn’t it be great if you and I displayed these attributes in all of our relationships?
When people act from that kind of wisdom, especially in positions of leadership, it produces a community of people who operate in “peace” and who produce “righteousness.” In more contemporary language, when leaders and people act with godly wisdom, the community/team is aligned around a common vision and is committed to high standards, which empowers them to collectively do great things and be high-impact agents of the kingdom. They bear the fruit of righteousness.
The great battle that all of us must fight is a life centered on self versus a life centered on Christ. It is a daily, moment-to-moment struggle. The forces of self-centeredness are strong in our time.
May we heed the warnings of scripture and guard against a selfish ego. May we humble ourselves before God, walk in the Spirit, obey his word, and seek his wisdom. May we reject self-centeredness and seek to serve others. May we recognize and stand firm against the attacks of the enemy when he tempts us with our own ego.
I end today with these powerful words of Truth from the Apostle Paul:
“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:1-5)
