Episode 48: James 4

Today's meditation is based on James 4 from the Passion Translation

I avoid conflicts and quarrels with others. I know that the battle begins inside of me if I fight to have my own way and fulfill my own desires. So I guard my heart. I do not jealously want what others have, nor do I see myself as better than others. I do not scheme with envy or harm others to selfishly obtain what they have. That would lead to quarrels and fights. I have no need or desire to have what someone else has, I know that all I need to do is ask God. And to ask with the right motives, not seeking only to fulfill my own selfish desires. I have no desire to become a spiritual adulterer, having an affair, an unholy relationship with the world. I know that flirting with the world’s values would place me at odds with God. Choosing to be the world’s friend would make me God’s enemy.

The Spirit that God breathed into me is a jealous Lover who intensely desires to have more and more of me. And he continues to pour out more and more grace upon me. 

I know that God resists me when I am proud, but continually pours out grace when I am humble. So I surrender myself to God. I stand up to the devil and resist him and he flees in agony. I move my heart closer and closer to God, and he comes even closer to me. 

So, I cleanse my life, keep my heart pure and do not doubt. I have felt the pain of my sin and wept. My joking around was turned into mourning and my joy into deep humiliation. I made myself low before the Lord and he has exalted me.

As part of God’s family, I never speak against another family member. Slandering a brother or sister would violate God’s law of love. And my duty is not to make myself a judge of the law of love by saying that it doesn’t apply to me. My duty is to obey it. There is only one true Law giver and Judge, the One who has the power to save and destroy—so I don't have any business judging my neighbor.

I don't boast about my future plans, because I don’t have a clue what tomorrow may bring. My fleeting life is but a warm breath of air that is visible in the cold only for a moment and then vanishes. But, I know that my tomorrows are in the Lord’s hands and I follow his will for my life so that I may live my life to its fullest. I do not boast in my ignorance, and I am not presumptuous about what I'll do tomorrow. Because I know that I make my plans, but the Lord orders my steps.

I take each day as it comes, and if I have the opportunity to do the right thing today, I do it.

Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.

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Music by Sam Marshall, Austere
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