James 4:1-5

Today's Passage: James 4:1-5

As a parent, I can’t help but laugh at some of the things my kids argue about. The funniest
arguments to me are the ones that revolve around something that is make-believe to start
with. They have deep convictions and personal opinions about things that aren’t even REAL! I
can relate though, can’t you?

James goes for the jugular with his readers as he points the finger at their chest with this
statement: the selfishness inside your heart is the source of your fighting. Jealousy, self-serving
passions, and unwarranted wants have the tendency to turn into brawls if we aren’t checking
the heart.

Do any of these statements mark your attitude with frequency: “I want. I deserve. I need?” Will
you sin to get something you want or sin if you don’t get it? If so, it’s time to look inside the
wellspring and figure out what’s polluting the source.

One final thought James gives is that maybe, just maybe, God hasn’t given us something we
think we need because in His omniscience He knows we won’t do the right thing with it.
Perhaps His sovereign ‘no’ is for the best because that good thing can turn into a bad thing with
the wrong motive.

Is there something you desire but God hasn’t given yet? Are you ok if He never does, knowing
that He ultimately knows best? Will you check your motives in asking for whatever it is to
ensure His glory is the premier motive?

Written By: Drew Dukes