Day 4 – Read James 4

The links for previous days readings: Day 1, Day 2, and Day 3.

Today

The Heart of Conflict
The retired Senator from Missouri, John Danforth, once said, “The loudest voices we hear are those who advocate conflict, divisiveness.” James, the NT writer, would agree. He would just add, “that voice is most often in your own head.” Another Biblical writer said, “There is nothing new under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 1:9). Conflict was one of the biggest challenges in the church when James was writing. His words are still true!

James argues that at the heart of conflict is unmet desires—“personal passions at war” (James 4:1) Conflict happens when you (or someone else) isn’t getting what they want. One of the results of conflict is violence (James 4:2). Sometimes that violence is under the surface—as we murder people in our heart. Sometimes it leads to actual murder. It often results in gossip and slander (James 4:11).

“I can’t believe they did….”
         “How can they call themselves a Christian?”
         “She is such a hypocrite.”
         “You won’t believe what he did.”
         “I hope he gets what’s coming to him.”

Have you ever secretly wished someone would get what they deserve? I have. Most of the time it’s was the result of my anger.

Fighting with others affects our relationship with God. Conflict can actually hinder our prayers. Conflict is also the devil’s playground. When we handle conflict inappropriately, we are actually making friends with the devil (James 4:3-4).

When we put our faith in Christ, the spirit of God takes up residence in us (v. 5). We have in us, the Spirit of God and access to grace and humility. As we submit to God, we find his presence at work in us. As we submit to God, we are also actively resisting the devil.

There is something about adopting and attitude of humility helps us have peace even when conflict swirls about. We cannot control how others handle conflict, but we can let God change the way we handle it.

Humility as A Way of Life
Humility isn’t just about relationships. It’s an orientation for every part of life. There’s nothing wrong with ambition, but a lot of ambition is about our own selfish desires. We all want to live a comfortable life. We all want to have nice homes and financially secure lives. There is a great temptation to build our own kingdoms here on earth. We feel better, more significant, and more successful when we have something to show for all of our hard work. The truth is that it is often about keeping up with the Joneses. We want to be able to hold our head high, and maybe even boast a little.

James reminds us that life is unpredictable (James 4:14). This is, after all, a fallen world. The stock market could tumble tomorrow. National conflicts could destroy our comfort.

James reminds his first readers, and now us to remain humble, trust God, and do what is right. The Lord God is our security (James 4:10).

Application:

Conflict is hard. Sometimes the problem is in our heart. Sometimes the problem lies with other people. We can only be in charge of how we respond. James encourages us to maintain a stance of humility in every area of life, whether it be relationships or ambitions. The key to humility is being in the presence of God.

1. What does it look like for you to “draw near to God?” (James 4:10)
2. What kinds of things do you need to hand to him?
3. What does it look like to adopt an attitude of humility?
4. Can you list areas of potential or real pride, boasting, or selfish ambition? What would it look like for you to give those things to God in repentance?

What would you say to God based on your reading today? Take some time to talk to God in prayer.

Consider writing down a key verse or verses from today on an index card or small piece of paper and carry it with you today. Look at it as often as you can as a reminder of what we learned today.

Possible Verses: James 4:7-8; James 4:17