James 4:1-3: Wars and Quarrels
Sunday, October 16, 2022
James may have described us a bit too well. Perhaps we squirm at his words and cavil at his verses; yet his thoughts are no less true.
Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again.
James touches a tender point too clearly. We may not want to believe the truth to which he points; yet his pointing makes it no less true.
They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves. You lust for what you don’t have and are willing to kill to get it. You want what isn’t yours and will risk violence to get your hands on it.
James raises our awareness of self with a mirror of justice. We may want to avoid the image of quarrels and wars beginning within but sooner or later we will want to confront it for it is in the confrontation that we find true peace and serenity. James asks a simple question . . . and we might ponder the answer.
You wouldn’t think of just asking God for what you don’t have, would you? And why not? Because you know you’d be asking for what you have no right to. You’re spoiled children, each wanting your own way.
Are we spoiled children? Do we ask for that which is not ours? Do we refrain from asking because we want a short cut to conversion? Are we willing to live through our own transformation?
These are questions James urges us to ponder as he presents a picture of quarrels and wars . . . and the part in the world’s insecurity that we play from within.
We can use the scripture link to ponder these verses as we consider the part we have played in world’s small and great strife.
Image from: http://www.momtastic.com/parenting/101560-do-babies-recognize-themselves-in-the-mirror/
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