Called to Something Better

Followers of Jesus Christ are not to live like people of the world. We are not to live in envy, strife, and division. These vices belong to worldly people, not to those redeemed by the grace of God in Jesus Christ and indwelt with the Holy Spirit. When we envy others, we eventually cause strife with them. Once this happens, we create division. One step leads to the next. This destructive process can unfold in any relationship and in any church, but it should not happen among God’s people.

Envy and strife are unfitting for Jesus’ followers because we have received everything we need in Him. Since we have a glorious inheritance reserved in Heaven for us, envying others is absurd. Since our sins are forgiven and we have peace with God, causing strife makes no sense.

Envy, Strife, And Division Run Completely Contrary To The Gospel.

We are not of this world, just as Jesus is not of this world (John 17:16). So, we should not live as the world lives, just as Jesus did not live as the world lives. Seek the things that are above, where Christ is, in order to put off fleshly desires and be satisfied in Him alone. We must behave consistently with the reality that we have been born again. We have God’s Spirit within us! We cannot live like people of the world. We must conduct ourselves in love, peace, and unity.