This passage always has a great deal to say, but the fact that we are reading it on Memorial Day really punctuates the message. James tells us why wars are fought…and you won’t believe the answer.
James starts his thought with this question; “what is causing quarrels and fights among you?”
The human race has been fighting with each other since the first family. After Adam and Eve sinned, Cain killed Abel and it’s been escalating ever since. We’ve fought with one another in our homes, in the classroom, in the streets, and between countries. Older people will tell you that if you get a group together for any reason, sooner or later there is going to be a disagreement that creates an argument, which will lead to a fight and separation if it isn’t handled properly.
So what’s causing all the fighting? Sadly, the answer is “we are” Every single one of us. And here’s why:
When Adam and Eve sinned, a change was created in their spirit. Think of it like a computer virus that was loaded into their system. From that day on they placed higher value on self than on God. To put it another way, when they chose to eat the fruit of the forbidden tree, they disrupted the harmonic balance of all creation. They chose to defy God, and that “virus” was passed down to every single person since. (Except Jesus…who didn’t have an earthly father)
You and I are born thinking of ourselves first, but that isn’t the way we were originally created. We were created to think of God first, and make all our decisions based on knowledge of Him. No one who is communing with God treats others with contempt or abusively in order to get their own way. (God may use some people to punish others, but it’s to teach a lesson, or punish sin)
Every war ever fought was waged because someone decided they wanted what they weren’t allowed to have. Every abuse and wartime atrocity stems from this same evil “virus” that was implanted in us in the garden of Eden. From the playground bully, to the “mean girls” all the way to Adolf Hitler exterminating Jews because he thought he was better than them…..it all comes from the same root. Selfishness.
The solution is simple, but not easy. Be humble. Cry out to God, recognizing that you are not as humble as you need to be. At first, your clouded mind will tell you that you are actually fairly humble already, and that you aren’t selfish at all. But as you continue to invite God to teach you (in itself an act of humility) He will reveal to you through His Holy Spirit that you are extremely selfish. It’s hard to come to terms with, but it is absolutely necessary in order to experience the victorious life found in Jesus Christ.
While he was sitting with his disciples one day, watching a wealthy man walk away from Him because he wanted to have his own way, Jesus remarked “it’s easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for the wealthy to be saved”
True humility helps us realize that we have no riches….we all come to Christ poor, and in need. If you want to learn from Jesus how to rid yourself of your “original nature” then you must approach humbly. Confident? sure, that’s appropriate….but not arrogant or proud.
Seeking to be more humble and teachable,
PR