Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another. After describing the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit, Paul ends with this warning about community. Don't provoke each other. Don't envy. The Spirit-filled life needs an environment where people aren't trying to outdo each other.
I'm in a competitive church. Not openly, but it's there. Who's serving more? Who's more committed? Who's more spiritual? Who knows the Bible better? The constant subtle comparison is poisoning the community. And Paul is saying: that's flesh. That's not the Spirit. The Spirit produces love, joy, peace. That doesn't thrive in an environment of vain glory and envy.
I've been part of the problem. I like to be seen as spiritual. I like to outpace others in serving and knowing and growing. It makes me feel valuable. But Paul is saying: that's poison. So I'm working to stop. To serve without broadcasting. To grow without comparing. To celebrate others' progress as if it were my own. It sounds simple, but it requires constant attention. Every time I feel envy, every time I want to provoke someone with my superior spirituality, I'm choosing the flesh. The Spirit offers something better: genuine community.
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