Selfishness is at the root of all sin. Most of our failures and missteps in judgment with our relationships, finances, and our work stem from wanting our own way and will do anything to get it. We even use God sometimes to get it. “Well, the Lord told me to tell you…” Oooh, avoid that like the plague. You can be there to listen, encourage as someone express what THEY feel God is leading them to, but you do not want to take on God’s work of telling them what that is. That is selfishness.

EXAMPLE…
Long ago, as a young married adult with a new baby, a toddler and a preschooler in my care, I received a phone call from a very influential woman in my church who was also related to me. She began to tell me, (as my children were crying or yelling because of wanting their own way in the background!), of what I should be helping her with at church. She went on to say that “The Lord told me what His will is with your life.” And then she began to tell me God’s will for me.

I was young, naive but even then was taken aback by these words. What? The Lord told YOU and not me? The bottom line was that church lady needed some work done and used God to selfishly get done what she was already doing but wanted it done her way…so she called me. That is bullying, by the way, the church way.

Pastor James reminds us that most quarrels stem from selfishness from local to world problems. He boldly tells us to GET SERIOUS about laying down our wants by accepting God design, His wants, and purposes for us. God is waiting to lead us and desires His best for us. When we do…His gift of peace, that we all long for, will be given in abundance. Life will get hard, but God will always be there with us, smiling down on us, encouraging us. His way, His thoughts are always higher than our thoughts. Why would we not want what God, who knows everything, wants for us? 

“So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud NO to the Devil and watch him scamper,. Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really SERIOUS. Get down on your knees before the Master, it’s the only way you’ll get back on your feet.” 
James 4, Msg 

Been there, done that..many times. And just yesterday. It’s the only Way to go…

Dear Heavenly Father, Your Word in James is tough this week but so needed to clarify our needs and wants once again. Thank you for yet another less in selfishness versus selflessness. You laid down your life for us. I give my life back to you…all of it, the good and the bad…I’m running to You…catch me in your arms! In Jesus Name, Amen