Are You A Spoiled Christian?
James Chapter 4Scripture: James 4:1-3 (The Message) "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."
Observation: James chapter 4 continues the thoughts from chapter 3:16 - 18. Verse 16 (N.I.V.) states,
"For where you have envy and self ambition there you will find disorder and every evil practice."
This is contrasted with verse 17 where you can see someone who is humble in nature. Verse 17 states,
"But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace- loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere."
These two verses are the set up for Chapter 4:1-3, where we can read what selfish people create; CONFLICT! These are people who are their own god, who are always taking care of themselves and who are always making sure that they get theirs! They are adulterers which means they are cheating on their beloved. Remember that James is writing to believers (see 1:1) and they are cheating on God by looking out for themselves. These believers go out and selfishly get things for themselves not even asking their God to provide for them or even trusting that he has given them just what they need. They are never happy or content for they think what they need will fulfill them but it cannot and they are always looking for more. They are SPOILED little Christians always looking out for themselves. Even when they do ask God for things it is only to fulfill their own wants and needs. They cannot think of anyone else because the very nature affairffaire is all about fulfilling your own needs, your own pleasures. This get mine attitude is what Satan used to tempt Eve. You know; the God is holding out on you attitude that states, "that you better get it for yourself." This is the creed of the world; to look out for number one and do it yourself, because if you don't help yourself nobody else will. But even through all of this selfishness, James declares that God will give us grace if will humble ourselves. Unlike Adam and Eve we have to resist "the deceiver" and give ourselves to Jehovah Jireh, our provider. We need to repent, which means "to turn the head back" to look at Jesus again as our Great Shepherd and in humility realize that everything that we need comes from "the Father of lights" (see 1:17). This whole stream of thought in James chapter 4, is form James chapter 1 verses 12 - 18 all over again and when you look again at chapter 1, think about the temptation in the garden in light of these two chapters in James.
Application: How many times do I want and want and want some more. I am like the world not trusting in the goodness and the provision of God but doing it my way. If I think I need it or want it I go get it, I or pout that God has held out on me. I spend so much time feeling like the world has more than me that I am being slighted in some way. God has been teaching me that I have to trust Him to be my Father, my Abba Daddy. He is teaching me that I am in covenant with Him and that He will provide for me abundantly (Eph 3:20). I also am learning to ask Him for my needs and to be a blessing to others with what He provides. I cannot judge what others have or what I do not have but humble myself and allow God to decide what my tomorrow looks like.
Prayer: Abba Daddy, help me to trust you. Show me my adultery and how I seek for myself and don't trust you! Keep teaching me to ask you and trust you to be my sole provider. Lord I want to walk in the humbleness of trusting you for my provision for you blessings are without comparison.
