Target Toxic Wisdom With Repentance

James 3:14-16 says, “But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.”

When a radiologist identifies a dark, aggressive abnormality on a scan, they don't suggest that you ignore it or pretend it doesn't exist. They won't advise you to wait and hope it resolves on its own. Instead, doctors take immediate action by ordering aggressive medical intervention to remove any harmful substance from your body before it can cause serious damage.

That is precisely what James is saying in today's reading above. When a spiritual examination uncovers issues like bitter jealousy, hidden resentment, a competitive drive, or a tendency to gossip, it's important to acknowledge these problems honestly. God does not want you to rationalize them by labeling them as "healthy ambition" or "just venting."  Nor does he want you to scapegoat your poor behavior onto someone else or difficulties.
To address a spiritual abnormality, you must engage in immediate, heartfelt, and genuine repentance.

When making a medical decision about treatment, it is often helpful to consider precedent for success, unless the treatment involves a new remedy. It's also important to remember the spiritual counsel that God has provided through the Scriptures. For example, in Psalm 51, David returned to the Lord after his failure with adultery, demonstrating genuine repentance. Matthew 4:17 states, "From that time on, Jesus began to preach, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.'" In this verse, Jesus began His message about the kingdom of God with a call to repentance.

During the very first sermon following Christ's ascension and the establishment of the Christian church, Peter preached about repentance when he said, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38).

The solution to our sinful habits, transgressions, and poor treatment of others is always repentance, not excuses, and certainly not blame-shifting.