Introduction: The Sermon Companion is a devotional that follows up on the prior Sunday’s message and seeds your mind and spirit for the coming Sunday.
The Key’s to the Kingdom – FAITHFULNESS – 05/26/2019
Key Verse(s): But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not be arrogant, and [as a result] be in defiance of the truth. This [superficial] wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly (secular), natural (unspiritual), even demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder [unrest, rebellion] and every evil thing and morally degrading practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure [morally and spiritually undefiled], then peace-loving [courteous, considerate], gentle, reasonable [and willing to listen], full of compassion and good fruits. It is unwavering, without [self-righteous] hypocrisy [and self-serving guile]. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness (spiritual maturity) is sown in peace by those who make peace [by actively encouraging goodwill between individuals].For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder [unrest, rebellion] and every evil thing and morally degrading practice. James 3:14-18 (AMP) [1]
The Curse of Comparison
Many curses entered into the race of the first Adam on the occasion of man’s seduction by Satan. One of the worst is comparison. Comparison is a lie from its very inception; every human being, while similar in many ways, is also utterly unique. In all of creation, not two humans are exactly alike. Therefore, when you try to compare yourself to another, it is always “apples and oranges.”
Envy and jealousy are illegitimate children or comparison. Rather going to God to find our identity and purpose, we compare ourselves to others. Dr. Miles Monroe said: “If you want to know the purpose of a thing, don’t ask the thing; seek the creator of the thing.” Purpose is found in the mind of the creator. A person cannot know their ultimate place of achievement without first knowing the mind of his or her creator.
Failure and ruin await the person who chooses worldly standards or envious comparison with others to find his or her purpose.
As we prepare to explore the sin of comparison this Sunday, why not spend some time asking your creator to reveal His purpose in placing you the planet.
Thanks for joining us in this devotional,
Pastor Doug
[1] Copyright (c) 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation.