James 3:13-18

James 3:13-18 
English Standard Version (ESV)

 Anyone who has watched the political process unfold over the last decade in the United States would not rank meekness and gentleness very high among the traits that are likely to get one elected to political office in these times.  It seems as though our culture has decided to reward the bold and brash with our attention, which obviously encourages the next candidate to be even more bold and more brash.  James talks about jealousy and selfish ambition, traits that are certainly not new to our time and place, and it's easy for cultures to drift closer to those than to peace and gentleness.
  So how do we resist?  We start with our own actions, taking a long look at our behavior and examining to see if we're practicing mercy.  Then we move to see who we reward with our attention.  In our distracted age, we forget that our attention is a limited resource, and it's highly valuable.  Your time is limited -- so think about how valuable it is to give 100% of your attention towards any one person or thing.
  Let those who opt for jealousy and selfish ambition drift into the background, and look for those who show their works in the meekness of wisdom.