This wisdom (bitter jealousy, selfish ambition) is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

                                                                                                                   James 3:15-18 

Bitter jealousy and selfish ambition are two characteristics that should not exist among those claiming the name of Jesus. These traits are earthly in nature. They represent the natural way in which man thinks and acts. It is putting ourselves forward at the expense of others. It is exercising partisanship, being fractiousness, quarrelsome, and troublesome. This is what it means to have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition. And perhaps the most descriptive of these traits is that they are demonic. They are not from God and represent the nature of mankind apart from Christ. So those of us desiring to be considered as spiritually maturing should jettison any and all of these types of attitudes and behaviors. So in addition to the way we treat others and our display of gentleness, James tells us what true, godly wisdom looks like.

First, wisdom from above is pure. This means that God’s wisdom is not tainted nor contaminated in any way. It is perfect, sacred, holy, and right. When we act accordingly, we prove ourselves to be maturing spiritually.

Second, we are to be peaceable. Consider the words of Jesus:

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. 

                                                                                                Matthew 5:9 

When we make peace the standard by which we conduct ourselves, we can say that we are spiritually maturing.

Thirdly, we are to be gentle and reasonable. Being reasonable is to be equitable, fair-minded, and having sound judgment. It is being just and logical. We live in a world in which many people do not live by this standard. They seem to loose all sense of reason and fairness. They are judgmental, demanding, and rude. These are the traits that we are to avoid.

Fourthly, we are to be full of mercy and good fruits. This is an echoing of the “good behavior” previously spoken of by James. The way we treat others should be full of mercy. Two passages of scripture come to mind when considering mercy and the role that it plays in our treatment of others:

Should you not also have had mercy on your fellow slave, in the same way that I had mercy on you?’ And his lord, moved with anger, handed him over to the torturers until he should repay all that was owed him. My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart.

                                                                                                               Matthew 18:33-35 

 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.

                                                                                                                   Luke 6:35-36 

Notice that both passages have a component referring to a reciprocal effect toward those who do not forgive and are not merciful. James also reminds us of that reality:

For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment.

                                                                                                                     James 2:13 

Lastly, we are to be unwavering in our consistency avoiding any semblance of hypocrisy. When we struggle with having these proper attitudes, we need to remember that it is the power of the Spirit of God that allows us to behave in such a way. When we act in our flesh, we will not see the same results.

Spiritually maturing Christians are not factious. They promote peace and unity and are not interested in troublesome arguments and quarrelsome rhetoric. If we are to expect an unbelieving world to believe our message, we must emulate what it truly means to know God, to know Jesus Christ, and to be filled with the Spirit of God.