The Horrible Fruits of Worldliness

In addition to embracing worldly wisdom which is sensual and demonic (James 3:15), James identifies additional fruits which grow out of the soil of the horrific spiritual disease called worldliness.

  • Evil speaking (James 4:11)—having an air of superiority which results in harsh, unloving, and unmerciful criticism of others.

  • Presumptuous planning (James 4:13-14)—believing God is obligated to grant you an innumerable quantity of tomorrows so you can do everything your covetous heart desires.

  • Arrogant boasting (James 4:16)—confidently affirming that all your plans for success will come to pass without any acknowledgment of God and of your utter insufficiency without Him.

  • Defrauding the vulnerable (James 5:4)—intentionally mistreating those you rightfully owe by failing to discharge your debt in a timely fashion.

  • Indulgent living (James 5:5)—pursuing self-indulgence in disregard of others and sound economic principles.

  • Grumbling and complaining (James 5:9)—a lack of godly contentment that regularly spews forth from your mouth.

  • Swearing (James 5:12)—cloaking a lack of integrity—being a person of your word—by the use of oaths and profanity.

When the telltale fruits of worldliness are compiled together like this, it ought to be no mystery to you how well you are doing in your war against worldliness.

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Author: jchowning

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