We want peace at all costs—but we want it our way in our time—as quickly as possible.  We don’t like to wait for what we want.  Once we have a desire of getting, selfish pride takes over and we will do everything within our power to get it. 

But once we get it, we are still not fully satisfied because we have built our faith on ourselves.  Feeling empty inside, we wearily worry, “is that all there is?” as we seek more.  We want more food, more clothes, more cars, more homes, more vacations, more days off work, more friends, more money to get what we want…and the more is never enough.

When we can’t have what we want, we throw childish tantrums while warring with others to demand what we think we deserve. After all, we have been told repeatedly by the world: “have it your way,” “you deserve a break today,” “be all you can be.”

In a world of warring competitions of power, comparing ourselves with each other, fueled by envy, greed, jealousy, arrogance and pride, we will never be satisfied.  All these traits are characteristics of our enemy whose goal is to distract, deceive, deconstruct, and eventually destroy our relationship with the One who loves us most and the Only one who satisfies our every need. Ahh, we get it now—but do we?

It’s time to get serious, says James.

James 4, The Message

Get Serious

4 ^1-2 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.

^2-3 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.

^4-6 You’re cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and his way. And do you suppose God doesn’t care? The proverb has it that “he’s a fiercely jealous lover.” And what he gives in love is far better than anything else you’ll find. It’s common knowledge that “God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble.”

^7-10 So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him make himself scarce. 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 on your feet.

^11-12 Don’t bad-mouth each other, friends. It’s God’s Word, his Message, his Royal Rule, that takes a beating in that kind of talk. You’re supposed to be honoring the Message, not writing graffiti all over it. God is in charge of deciding human destiny. Who do you think you are to meddle in the destiny of others?

Nothing but a Wisp of Fog

^13-15 And now I have a word for you who brashly announce, “Today—at the latest, tomorrow—we’re off to such and such a city for the year. We’re going to start a business and make a lot of money.” You don’t know the first thing about tomorrow. You’re nothing but a wisp of fog, catching a brief bit of sun before disappearing. Instead, make it a habit to say, “If the Master wills it and we’re still alive, we’ll do this or that.”

^16-17 As it is, you are full of your grandiose selves. All such vaunting self-importance is evil. In fact, if you know the right thing to do and don’t do it, that, for you, is evil.

WHAT DO WE LEARN—HOW DO WE RESPOND?

If we rely solely on ourselves, who are only “wisps of fog, catching a brief bit of sun before disappearing, we need to get serious with God who is forever faithful, always loving, and has a unique plan for our lives that gives us His extreme best for our good and His glory.  That plan begins with Jesus who satisfies all that we have been seeking in a relationship of acceptance that promises and delivers unfailing faithfulness.  This union is intimately personal and relentless loving, merciful and full of grace—MORE than we ever hoped or dreamed!

It bears repeating…

“So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him make himself scarce. 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 on your feet.”

Lord,

Help us to know you more because you are more than enough and you are all we need.  Relieve the worry from wanting want the world wants and thinking we must have our “fair share.” How utterly hopeless and ridiculous the thought! Guide our hearts to seek you first.  We know you will provide all we really need when we really get serious about our precious, faithful, loving relationship with you. 

You are the Bread of heaven and the Living Water that satisfies my soul forever.  You are all I need.  Forgive me when I fall for the enemy instead of falling on my knees before you, the King of kings and Lord of lords!  Cleanse my heart, renew my mind, refresh my soul and restore the peace and joy of your salvation work within me.

In Jesus Name, Amen