James 3:14, "But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth."

Self seeking is going after position or fame. It is striving to be the best - to be top dog, as James, John, and then all the disciples contended to be greatest, before Christ gave the Spirit. They fought for recognition above others.

This EVIL SPIRIT is not the Spirit of grace. God gives us meekness of wisdom, so we are humble and not proud. His wisdom makes us genuinely serve others, and minister for their benefit, instead of our own.

First, "If you have bitter envy," then get rid of it. Don't let it lurk. It will destroy your ministry like a locust. It makes us unusable, and we squander our lives fruitlessly.

I listen to experienced preachers who I can learn from. I read the giants. They all have one thing in common. They genuinely served others. There was no self seeking. They were not trying to be great, which made them great. They weren't seeking their own kingdom.

We think this can be hidden, but the Holy Spirit is not in a self seeking ministry.

Secondly, it's "in your hearts." It's not in our mouth! We don't say, "Hi, I'm here to serve myself. I'm using Christ to elevate me. I want to be great." No, it's on our heart, and then our actions betray us. Our tone, movements, and the way we hold our head. Our illustrations and character outside of the pulpit. Our bitterness and hatred towards others. Our unwillingness to work together and judgmentalism. These are the faults of a self seeking heart. Truth without the Spirit is not a God blessed ministry, but it can be corrected. Don't think you fool everyone!

Thirdly, "do not boast and lie against the truth!" The truth of the gospel is gracious and kind. It is humble. It glorifies Christ, and gives none to man. It's not harsh, arrogant, and finger pointing. It gets the tree out of its own eye, so it can minister to people with splinters. It deals with self vigorously, and lovingly points others to Christ. It recognizes it's own nothingness and takes the low seat. It knows that humility is the first response to grace.

Don't do anything without this lowliness of mind. Pray for it. Don't simply say, "But I preach the truth." It matters HOW WE PREACH IT, if we want full impact.