LIFE SCRIPTS

But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
James 3:14‭-‬16 NIV

This passage in the book of James makes a very interesting association between ‘bitter envy’ and ‘selfish ambition’ with the demonic. He introduces a spiritual dimension into the whole issue of bitterness. But the kind of sin he is talking about is that which we ‘harbour’ within our ‘hearts’. If such forms of sinful attitudes such as bitterness keep on recurring within us, it may well mean that our hearts have not been fully transformed by the power of Christ. Demonic forces might be in operation within us. Such is the nature of sin. It is conceived in our hearts before it’s propagated by our bodies. Bitter envy and selfish ambition is no exception. If we constantly find ourselves embittered by circumstances, people and situations around us, it would be high time to take a keen look into the state of our hearts. Our newly converted nature could well be fast succumbing to the flesh. It could also be possible that our hearts are held captive by demonic influences. Demonic influence is real. It is powerful. It can only be defeated through prayer in the Spirit. Demonic influence disguises itself. On many occasions, we might not notice it. However, as we pray and walk in the Spirit, we become aware of spiritual activity in the demonic. We should not shy away from seeking the Spirit of God to free us from such evil influences that we may live free lives in obedience to God. We must also seek to avoid and resist sin in order not to give room for demonic activity in our lives.