Spiritual Show & Tell

SPIRITUAL SHOW & TELL

Part three of seven devotions in The World of Jealousy series

1 Corinthians 3:3

“You are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and quarreling among you, are you not worldly? Are you not acting like mere men?”

Ten year old Wally’s prayer to God (asking God to help Wally to lose weight and stop jealous hatred of trim guys) was interrupted by Chester’s arrival to the playground. (See Envy Rots and Humility from Wisdom devotions). Wally’s head whipped towards the bike rack.

“Chester!” Wally cried. He ran to meet Chester, and watched him lock his bike to the rack. “I was worried sick!” Wally burst out.

“Dude, you sound like my mom!” Chester said. “I was given a list of chores to do before being allowed to go swimming today. But I’m here now.”

“I shot layups after dribbling around the court.” Wally said. “You should have called.”

Chester laid his hand on Wally’s shoulder. “I don’t know your number.” he said.

“Well, it’s too hot now!” Wally snapped, disgusted. “Let’s just go swimming.”

“Fine by me!” Chester said. “You’re the one who wants to lose weight.”

In the lesson for Humility from Wisdom devotion, James 3:13a asks, Who is wise and understanding among you?” The word “wise” describes someone who is ethically sensible, skilled in the practical things of life. The word “understanding” means thoughtful awareness of others’ situations. James 3:13b says, “Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.”

Apparently, Wally can’t show Humility from Wisdom yet. But God isn’t done with him.

Wisdom and understanding are measured in steps of growth (into Christ-likeness)—measured by deeds. In other words, it’s not how much or what we know that counts, but how we’re living that matters. Anyone can talk a good spiritual game, and yet have a jealous heart. For believers who allow envy to set up residence in their hearts, they don’t have wisdom; they’re living a lie.

James 3:14 defines jealousy as “bitter envy and selfish ambition.” Jealousy is plainly a nasty emotion. Selfish ambition is aggressive unfriendly behavior towards others. The Greeks use “selfish ambition” to describe a dishonest politician.

Take Home Nugget

At the swimming pool, Chester and Wally resumed their water battles. All at once, Chester raised his hand, coughing. Wally continued splashing him until the lifeguard blew her whistle. “Come out of the pool now,” she ordered Wally.

Joining Wally on a bench, Chester asked, “What’s wrong with you, dude?”

Wally put his hands over his face, and mumbled, “I’m sorry. Could we start over again tomorrow?”

Heavenly Father, forgive my anger towards a friend. Lead me into right living, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

J.D. Griffith

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