The biggest obstacle we all have to get to heaven might be ourselves.  If we can overcome ourselves, defeating the devil and his allies will be much easier.

A lot of overcoming ourselves involves mastering our emotions.  The Bible identifies for us many emotions and dispositions that God does not want us to have.  These emotions are devilish in nature.  James identifies some of these and warns us to avoid them.

James 3:14-15 (ESV)
¹⁴  But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. ¹⁵  This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.    

Some emotions may not be described as demonic, but they are not conducive to being spiritually strong.  We need to avoid them as well.  This week, I want us to think about how we can overcome ourselves by making sure we do not develop feelings that the devil can use against us.  Let us begin with some thoughts about bitterness.

Bitterness is one of the emotions that James says is demonic, and he is not the only Biblical writer to warn us against it.

Hebrews 12:15 (ESV)
¹⁵  See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled;

The Greek word for bitterness is pikria (Strong) and originally referred to something that was pointed, and then penetrating.  In the New Testament, it refers to the penetrating power of resentment that sometimes overwhelms the heart, and it always defiles the one who possesses it.

When we think of roots, we think of how they penetrate the soil deeply and sometimes spread out a far distance.  Bitterness does the same thing to the heart.  It penetrates deeply and infiltrates every part of the mind of the one who is inflicted by it.  It is a spiritual disease that must be nipped in the bud as soon as possible or else it can linger for a lifetime.

Bitterness is a destroyer of relationships.  No one enjoys being around a person who is bitter because it usually expresses itself in unpleasant ways.  Anger and wrath go hand in hand with it.  The bitter person most often has a short temper and often snaps at others over insignificant matters.  People around him (or her) are made to feel uncomfortable and pretty soon will not want to be in their presence.  

Proverbs 14:10 (ESV)
¹⁰  The heart knows its own bitterness, and no stranger shares its joy.

More important than the impact bitterness has on others, it condemns the soul of the one it overtakes.  Have you allowed bitterness to take up residency in your heart?  Not only is your soul in danger, but you really cannot be much help to the cause of Christ; and, whether you see it or not, it has probably had a real impact on those around you.  Do your best to discover what has caused the bitterness in the first place, and rid yourself of it before it is too late.

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.