[16] For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. (ESV)
I love fish aquariums. From time to time I have had various kinds of tropical fish of many different varieties. I love angel fish. I love cichlids. Both of these varieties of fish have inherent beauty. They grow to a fairly large size also. As much as I love them both I have discovered something. They cannot both be in the same tank.
So, what does a fish tank have to do with today’s verse? Imagine the body of Christ like a huge aquarium. The outside world is watching. They are hoping to see us behaving in cooperative ways like the New Testament instructs us to. But there are deadly fish in the body of Christ. They are people who are full of jealousy and selfish ambition. James describes what happens if we allow them in the tank.
Jealous and selfish people work their way into churches. They get onto committees. They become deacons. They even become pastors. After a while all of the good in the church is overcome by these aggressive fish. James says that where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.
If you are in the body of Christ, people are watching you just like a person observes fish in a tank. Put away jealousy and selfish ambition or you will be like a cichlid, destroying the good that God wants to accomplish.
Please come and worship with me at First Baptist Church of Troy or East Troy Baptist Church. We are open for worship services. If you are looking for an online worship service you will find us at www.troybaptistchurches.com. Our service is posted every Sunday at 4 PM. We also have an online Bible study that is posted on Thursdays, 7 p.m. I am the Pastor of First Baptist Church of Troy, and the East Troy Baptist Church. We would love to have you visit one of our churches. We are committed to the truth of God’s Word and loving one another. For more information, please go to www.troybaptistchurches.com. You can call or text me at 570-371-8432