From James 4:1-12

James writes about some of the things leading his readers into sin, highlighting especially the things of the world that they are prioritizing higher than God’s command to treat one another well.  Now there is some clarification necessary here.  When James talks about the world, he isn’t talking about everything that is a physical part of creation.  He is using the world as representative of material things that draw people away from God. Things we are envious of, things we covet, things we want that we shouldn’t – these are things that we chase after.  As they become more important in our lives, keeping to God’s command to love our neighbor seems to become less important.  This results in quarrels and fights.  If God remains the most important thing in our lives, His command to love our neighbor overcomes anything that would have us treat them as less.

A related topic that James takes up here is in v. 11 when he tells us to “not speak evil against one another.” This echoes a deeper understanding of the eighth commandment.  We are called to put the best possible construction on the things our neighbors say and do, assuming the best we can of them and speaking accordingly.  Or in other words – if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.

Focus on God

We are reminded in these verses that God graciously sets our priorities for us.

Function in Our Lives

We are encouraged to act and speak with kindness towards others.

Topics to Pray About                                                               

• Thank God for the gift of His Law.
• Confess to God the times where you don’t treat your neighbors as well as you should.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to conform you to Christ.

In His Service,

J. LeBorious