Do they not come from your desires that battle within you (James 4:1)? Chapter divisions in the Bible, though useful for finding our place, and for cross references, can obscure the context. James has just been talking about the fruit of righteousness that is sown in peace by those who make peace (3:18). He is talking about the wisdom that comes from above that is pure, peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, and is without partiality and without hypocrisy (3:17). And this is the context of this morning's verse. It's the way it is supposed to be, the way that in our saner moments we desire. Bit if it's the way it's supposed to be how come we find ourselves in wars, quarrels and strife?
Likely most of us, if we give it any thought at all, would blame others. We come by this honestly, for it started with Adam and Eve in the garden. It was “the woman You gave” (Genesis 3:12). In other words it's the woman's fault, and actually it's God's fault too! He was the one who gave her! James would have us look within, the very last thing most of us want to do! We need to ask ourselves if self examination our first response to finding ourselves in the midst of an argument? James wants us, you and yes me too, to stop and listen to his question. It essentially asks “does any of this have to do with our inner desires, our inner lusts?” Do you and I want what we want, and do we want it now? And are are desires even right? God promises to supply all of our needs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19). But it's our needs not our wants! And they may not be the same thing, even if we tell ourselves they are (i.e. I need a new car every four years). James tells us we do not have because we do not ask, but also that when we ask our motives are often wrong (I need a new car to keep up with the Joneses). Wrong motives have to do with satisfying our ungodly passions and desired (4:2, 3).
James listed some of these passions in chapter 3, they include envy and self-seeking, and these things produce confusion and every evil work (3:16). But how do we overcome these things, for they're not easy to change (Romans 7:19)? Well “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (4:6-8). James goes on to tell us to exhibit what Paul describes as a godly sorrow that leads to repentance that leave no regrets (verse 9; 2 Corinthians 7:10). James goes on to tell us to humble ourselves before the Lord. And that if we do this, He will lift us up (4:10).
Father, so many of us have tried lifting ourselves up, and as a consequence found ourselves in very negative situations. Thank You Lord that You do not bring these things to our attention to condemn us, for there is now no condemnation in Christ (Romans 8:1). Thank You too, that when we confess, You forgive us for our foolish self centred ways (1 John 1:9), and that when we ask with right motives You give us all that we need. Thank You for Your love care and council in Jesus Name Amen
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