Vs 13 - 18 of James 3 talk about wisdom. James very clearly points out that bitter jealousy and selfish ambition are not from above. I think that jealousy is always bitter. When I refuse rejoice in the praises of another, it is generally bitter. I should always be happy for another who receives a blessing of any sort.
He also points out that selfish ambition is NOT from above, nor is it wisdom. He characterizes this kind of ambition as earthly, unspiritual, even demonic. I got to thinking about the 3 words James uses to describe the effect of our own selfish ambition.
Typically we don't think of 'earthly' as too bad since we're here on the earth to begin with. James is saying that those who are not believers are 'earthly' because they don't think in terms of the kingd0m. When we have selfish ambition we're acting like unbelievers because all of our actions should reflect our growth as believers.
Unspiritual, well that could be as simple as a label, or as bad as a target missed.
Demonic? Wow! That's pretty sharp. I generally only think about Satan and his angels when I think of the word demonic.
It does not say that ambition is bad, but selfish ambition. We think about doing something nice for ourselves helps us to relax, chill out. Occasionally it is good to take time for yourself, to do something for your self. But James is saying that when your pursuit is ONLY for you, then it's very bad.
Why? Because it introduces a seed that will grow, and manifest itself by getting to the point where you only think of yourself. God did not leave us here to pamper ourselves, but to help others. It's ok for me to want to excel at work, to progress in my career. But the point should not simply be because I want a title, or power. It must be because it helps my family, because it gives me another audience to which I can engage in God's work with. It allows me to give more.
These must not be simply things we say when talking about why we want this or that. They must manifest themselves in our hearts and actions as God blesses us with more. See the definitions below for more information on the terms ambition and selfish below.
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This am·bi·tion 
/æmˈbɪʃən/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[am-bish-uhn] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation –noun
| 1. | an earnest desire for some type of achievement or distinction, as power, honor, fame, or wealth, and the willingness to strive for its attainment: Too much ambition caused him to be disliked by his colleagues. |
| 2. | the object, state, or result desired or sought after: The crown was his ambition. |
| 3. | desire for work or activity; energy: I awoke feeling tired and utterly lacking in ambition. |
–verb (used with object) | 4. | to seek after earnestly; aspire to. |
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) -
Cite This Source -
Share This self·ish /ˈsɛlfɪʃ/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[sel-fish] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation –adjective | 1. | devoted to or caring only for oneself; concerned primarily with one's own interests, benefits, welfare, etc., regardless of others. |
| 2. | characterized by or manifesting concern or care only for oneself: selfish motives. |
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