James 4:7-10: A Solution for Turmoil
Tuesday, October 18, 2022
James continues to be clear with us. There is a method to putting an end to wars and struggles and the list is brief.
- Submit ourselves to God.
- Resist temptations to act independently of God.
- Continue to draw near to God.
- Cleanse our hands and purify our hearts.
- Ask forgiveness for our willfulness.
- Be humble.
The benefits of these simple acts are enormous and impossible to measure. A certain serenity settles over our lives. A new passion colors our relationship with God and with those around us as a result of newly-found peace. We connect ever more intensely with the divinity that lives within. It is no coincidence that these instructions from James closely mirror the 12 steps to recovery outlined by Alcoholics Anonymous in 1939. We might spend time with these verses today and make a few simple decisions . . .
Give ourselves over to God . . . So let God work his will in you.
Resist temptation . . . Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper.
Draw ever closer to God . . . Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time.
Make an intentional effort to renew our lives in Christ . . . Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field.
Ask forgiveness . . . Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over.
Be humble . . . Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet.
All else will follow in its natural course.
When we use the scripture link to compare versions of these verses, we allow James’ wisdom to settle into our days and into our lives.
To learn more about the Alcoholics Anonymous organization, visit: http://www.aa.org/pages/en_US/what-is-aa
Tomorrow, a prayer for resolving turmoil . . .
Images from: http://christiancarguy.com/forgiveness-by-bill-mixon/ and https://gentlechristianparenting.com/humility/
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