Luke Chapter 5: Verse 33 (NLT Translation)
One day some people said to Jesus, “John the Baptist’s disciples fast and pray regularly, and so do the disciples of the Pharisees. Why are your disciples always eating and drinking?”
James Chapter 3: Verses 16-17 (NLT Translation)
But wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder of every kind.
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows favoritism and is always sincere.
There is a saying that “comparisons are odious”. People regularly made comparisons about Jesus’ ministry, especially the Pharisees and other teachers of religious law. Often their motivation for doing this was jealousy and selfish ambition. They were unhappy at the following He attracted and were unwilling to change their lifestyles as His teaching required.
We need to be careful that we don’t get caught up comparing our lives with those of others. We don’t always know the full circumstances of someone else’s life. Therefore, we need to cultivate the qualities of wisdom as James describes in his letter. These qualities don’t always come naturally to us. James tells us however that we can ask God for the wisdom that we need, (“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” James Chapter 1 verse 5. NLT Translation). If we are genuine then others will see it. And no one likes a jealous person.
Dear Lord,
I do need Your help to cultivate Your true wisdom in my heart. But I thank You that all I need to do is ask, and You will give generously. Amen.