JULY 14 – SELFISH AUTHORITY

 Where there is a culture of selfishness and competition, there will be only noise and leadership will be ignored. Then; every manner of evil will flourish. (James 3:16)

    God’s way is a way of respect and honor. That way leads to empathy and giving. In God’s kingdom we see stories that unite and lead people to hope. When you look up to those who lead you, do you seek ways to serve and participate? When you look down, do you see ways to encourage and lift others up?

   James here observes that the world – living in Christ-less selfishness – compares and competes rather than loving. Looking up leads to envy and jealousy, while looking down brings a sense of arrogance and pride. In this culture of unbridled selfishness, there is no chance for unity; no chance that God will be glorified, and lives be transformed through the community’s influence. When people are led to be self-serving and selfish, there is division and incivility. There is no empathy as leaders lose touch with their people. People who have much will take even though they have no need.

                   Your people – those who stick around - become who you are. Look around and see who you have taught them to be.