James 4:1-6
Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. 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. You wouldn’t think of just asking God for it, 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. You’re cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and his way. And so you suppose God doesn’t care? The proverb has it that “he is a fiercely jealous lover.” And what God gives in love is far better than anything else you’ll find. It’s common knowledge that “God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble.” James 4:1-6 (MSG)
When are God’s people not in a time of war or conflict? Think now about examples, both personal and collective. For those of us who have tried to read the entire Bible, it has come as a surprise how many wars and quarrels are reported in the history of God’s people. Beginning in Genesis with Cain/Abel and moving on through Abraham/Lot, Noah, Joshua, David, and into the New Testament where friction continues between the Jews and other groups of people. Even in the letters to the Christian churches, there are squabbles and bickerings among the people. Today on the top of our public/global list is the Middle East (again), Russia/Ukraine, Sudan, Venezuela, and others. Today what is on your personal list? You/your brother, you/your sister, you/your friend???
The author of James has given us wise words and asks us to deeply reflect on why and where do these conflicts come from. How often in our own lives, when we take time to look at what is happening, are we able to see that someone is holding on to thinking it’s their way right or wrong; they want it to be a certain way and they can’t see the other person or the other possibility. Do we know whether they have asked God to guide them? Or maybe that’s you? If that someone is you, did you ask God to guide you?
In tough situations of disagreement and choice, I am frequently reminded that the middle letter of the word “sin” is “I”. And I am challenged to ask myself who am I putting first; am I getting in the way of God; am I failing to even want to understand the other person’s perspective? Recently I have asked for something I really want and I am asking myself whether I can accept it if the answer is No and can I allow that God has something else in mind. It’s good for me to do so. And it’s not always easy to do.
Questions for Reflection:
- When have you been in a conflict with another person and been able to see their viewpoint? Or not and then stuck to your own no matter what? What happened to that relationship?
- When have you realized in retrospect that you had not asked God to guide you and what you wanted was perhaps not yours to get?
- Looking at a larger situation, where do you see another country or group of people wanting something that maybe should not be theirs but they want it anyway and will do anything to get it? And where have you seen the other side believing they are right and perhaps simply defending themselves for good reasons? This is tough.
Prayer:
Great and merciful God, we come to You knowing we want certain things to happen (right or wrong) in our lives or somewhere else and we do not always ask You to be able to see it from Your perspective. This world, and all the changes and choices it constantly presents to us on a daily basis, is confusing. Too often we find ourselves lost, vulnerable, and needing Your Holy Spirit to guide us, esp. in our personal relationships, but also as we look at the world (Your world) and wonder what our part is in bringing the Peace You so want for all. Your Son is the Prince of Peace and we are his followers, the best way we know how; but we do fail by remaining caught in our personal limitations. We ask for your forgiveness and for your Holy Spirit to continue to be present in all we think and do and to ultimately bring the fullness of Your Peace to all. In Jesus’ name
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