Jealousy and Selfishness

On this day in 1914, Germany declared war on Russia, officially beginning what became known as World War I (the Great War). Theories abound regarding the causes of this war. However, in some ways it can be seen as a kind of family squabble.

Before the outbreak of the war, the ruling monarchs of Great Britain, Germany, and Russia were cousins. Various additional family members had been spread throughout the leadership of other nations for many years.

While knowing each other well, these family members had complex rivalries. From time to time, they would gather at special occasions. Several of them engaged in frequent, friendly correspondence. In spite of these interrelationships, the nations led by these men plunged their countries into a war that eventually claimed 8.5 million lives worldwide.

In many ways, these people and nations were guilty of the kind of “jealousy and selfish ambition” warned about in James. Many were driven by the desire for political control in order to dominate others.

Today, many churches, families, friendships, and organizations split because of this motivation. Does it impact you?

Ask God to search your heart and deliver you from jealousy and selfishness. Remember to seek His wisdom. Recognize that, unlike worldly wisdom, His wisdom is pure and peaceable. It is gentle, not arrogant. It is reasonable and full of mercy and good fruits. It is steady, unwavering, and without hypocrisy.