James 4 Commentary
Fights and quarrels manifest the evil desires within an individual – the earthly, unspiritual, and demonic thoughts of yesterday’s chapter. These desires battle for attention. Verse 1. They seek control and ownership of the soul.
Once the car is under their control, the individual is driven to extremes. Including fights, quarrels, and even murder!
God becomes an ATM machine from which you can draw cash for your selfish ambitions. You kick it if it doesn’t dispense the cash you want! How do you react when the LORD hasn’t granted your request or has granted your request but in a manner that doesn’t suit your taste?
A double life isn’t right. Adultery – the scripture calls it enmity against God. We need to check our comfort levels with the world around us. Has it moved from anger and frustration to peaceful co-existence? From truce to lusting for the things that we should loathe?
Is increased wickedness a source of pain for you? Probably the one who feels the pain of wickedness isn’t resident in your body!
The devil can be resisted. Verse 7. Humanity isn’t entirely uselessly powerless against the devil. The Saints know better. The devil can flee from you!
James has nailed it perfectly. We have several indicators for our spiritual health. Fights, quarrels, slander, judging others…: These are external indicators of poor spirituality. Do you wake up every morning thinking you have made it all by yourself? Organize your day. Is there space for acknowledging the sovereignty of the Creator God over all your plans? If and if not; events and their timing; are all interventions of the LORD?
It should be simple: Say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.”
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