Where there is envy and strife, there is confusion and every evil work (James 3:16)

Jesus Ministries, Joan Boney  ... 

One of the works of the flesh of man is "emulations" (Gal. 5:20).

 

It is the nature of man to exalt himself above other people.  People do this in different ways.  By physical appearance, by achievements, by the clothes worn ... It is natural for us to do this one way or another.

 

The apostle Paul says:  They that do these things will not inherit the kingdom of God.  (I Cor 6:9-10 and  Gal. 5:19-21)

 

We once did these things but now we are born again, given by God HIS Spirit, so we learn to go another way.

 

Galatians 5:22-25   But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.  And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

 

In 1960, I moved to Dallas, Texas, to be orchestra director at Kimball High School.  One of the high school teachers invited me to go to a college football game.  I was shocked that anyone actually chose to do this.  In college, I played in the band and we were forced to go to football until after the halftime performance and then they let us leave.  My friends and I left!

 

The teacher at Kimball said, "It only costs $6."  

 

I replied, "You mean you pay to go?"

 

For the next 60 years I hated the opposing team and was a fan.  

 

Then God began to wean me away and modify my life in this activity.

 

We learn the way of this world.  Then the Spirit of God pulls us away from that way and takes us another way.  And in the end we come to see all that matters is God's way.

 

And we then feel sorry for those who are trapped in the ways of this world.  But we are very grateful to God that HE showed us the truth.

 

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