Know Where You Stand

For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.  But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. James 3:16‭-‬17 NIV

It's time for a review, not by human standards but by God's own standards. Man has the tendency to deceive himself, and by his own strength, may not be able to handle the Truth. We can convince ourselves that our way is right or our choices are the best but one thing is clear - it is not what I say that matters; it is what the Truth says.

Let's review - does my heart envy others? Do I think I am better than others, maybe because my gifts are visible and people can easily point them out? Do I look down at others who are less gifted, less talented than I am? Do I push myself forward, striving to be at the top of the line, not minding how I get there or who I have to step on to get there? In a world of competitive advantage, it is difficult not to be ambitious, but what price am I willing to pay to get to the place I desire?

Or is my heart the one that first seeks purity and peace in relation to all men? Am I considerate of other people's interests? Am I willing to ever suppress my own desires for the sake of the advancement of someone else's? These are deep questions, but it is important that I consider my heart and answer truthfully, in the light of eternity.

Both conditions would  bear fruit that will look like the investments that have been made. When my life is examined, in the light of the Truth that cannot lie or be deceived, what would be the verdict? Would my life produce disorder and evil or would it produce good fruit, the type heaven alone can inspire?

The world is evil, it does not consider any one's interests but its own. Those who claim to know God must however follow higher standards and strive for heaven's priorities. What would it be for me? His time of favour is here.