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According to the Apostle James, all external conflict can be traced back to what he calls "evil desires at war within you" (4:1) and motives that are wrong (4:3). For this reason, attempts at external reform will never be fully effective short of transformation of the way a person thinks. Our "self-talk" gets to the core of our spiritual state.

The passage to be reviewed today points out some characteristics of the positive and negative attitudes that drive the way we behave.

James 3:13-18

1. What sources for human attitudes are identified in these paragraphs (vv. 15, 17)?
2. According to verse 13, what is it that makes a person wise?
3. What satanic "wisdom" does James mention (vv.14-16)?
4. What is identified as "God's kind of wisdom" (vv. 13, 17-18)?
5. What kinds of high goals is it appropriate for you to set as a believer? What kinds may draw you into greed and destructive competitiveness?

Ask God to deliver you from internal turmoil because you understand His ways and are shaping your thought life to match up with them.

13 If you are wise and understand God's ways, live a life of steady goodness so that only good deeds will pour forth. And if you don't brag about the good you do, then you will be truly wise! 14 But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your hearts, don't brag about being wise. That is the worst kind of lie. 15 For jealousy and selfishness are not God's kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and motivated by the Devil.

16 For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and every kind of evil. 17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no partiality and is always sincere.18 And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of goodness.

Copyright © 2005 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine. Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

I can cope with external challenges, Lord, if I'm internally aligned with Your will. Help me to think like a true Christian this week.

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