“Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” James 3:16-17 ESV

These verses bring such clarity to what is happening in our world. The choice is what will be the source of our wisdom? Does it come from our own reasoning or from God? We get to decide to use the gift of the Holy Spirit or rely on ourselves. When I look at the fruit of our choice, it makes the decision evident. God offers us a much better way, closer to our original design, but there is still a struggle because self is incredibly strong. The verse that comes to mind is, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I that lives, but Christ lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20). Maybe if I tattooed that on my hand, I would remember it is no longer me that lives, but Him. I have the option of allowing the Holy Spirit to be in charge and not me. You know, maybe I will forgo the tattoo and just look at the scar on my hand instead. A gentle reminder of the One who also has scars because of my choosing self and the price He paid on the cross.