not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:19-21) In Philippians he writes: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.” (Philippians 2:3)
And James adds his own warning: Bitter envy and selfish ambition are earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. (James 3:14-16)
Worry
Some people seem to be natural born worriers while others don’t seem to be bothered by anything. So what? The problem with worrying is that it betrays a lack of faith in God. Both Jesus and Paul caution us against worrying.
In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus tells us that the seed which fell among thorns stands for those who hear the gospel, but over time they are choked by life’s worries, riches, and pleasures, and do not mature. (Matthew 13:22) (Luke 8:14)
Jesus says in another passage: “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?” (Matthew 6:25) (Luke 12:22) Then he follows that with this penetrating question: “Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life ?” (Matthew 6:27) (Luke 12:25)
And Paul offers us this guidance: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
The biblical prohibitions on sins of the mind or spirit can be summed up in one