James 3:14-16
But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
Ones who have selfish ambition taking control of them will be building their "den of robbers and thieves". What do those in the "den of robbers and thieves" commonly have in their minds (with a single purpose)?
Yes, Money! They are only there for money and that when it is 'easy-money'. What do they have to do to get it? Just use His Name to get that easy-money. Are they doing anyone any good? No, only themselves, their families and their own communities. Yes, they do chicken-feed some 'beggars' from other communities who have no conscience of their own. So, they join them.! Just promise them an important position in their 'dens' and they will come bowing to their masters. They can't get it outside, so they get it from their 'easy-money' dens. They do not want to be caught outside, so they keep their evil operations within their 'dens'.
The "thieves and robbers" are highly professional ones. They openly claim that they are highly educated and qualified to be able to run their 'dens' professionally without getting 'caught' or noticed. They put on an air that they are very wise men. Some even seek public recognition to endorse their "thieving and robbery" works within their dens. Very professional "thieves and robbers" who know their 'trade' very well. Of course they have their own 'men' guarding their dens. They are afraid of 'newcomers' and they are always on the look-out, so that no one will 'tip' them off. Or else, why are they so afraid? So afraid that sometimes it makes you feel that you are in the company of 'pondans' whenever you visit them. They want their operations to be secret but they make everyone feel uncomfortable. They have frightened looks and whisper among themselves.
The irony is that they openly preach His name, but they show no trust in Him. They preach His name to get their money. Besides, they have other para-organizations assisting them outside, like a 'syndicate of thieves and robbers' they operate. They steal (cheat), kill and destroy like the Devil but they boldly do it in His name. You will find every disorder there within them and around them but they don't care. In fact, they would encourage that disorder and every evil practice in and around them, so that their 'dens' would be deemed necessary for others to frequent it. Watch them closely and you will notice all these above clearly. This is what selfish ambition does. It destroys you and others around you. This has been happening for a long time now. So, imagine the lies, deception and malice there.
Galatians 5:19-21
The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
