But my mouth would encourage you; comfort from my lips would bring you relief.
Job 16:5 (NIV)
| Desire by Cathy Vinson |
"An argument started among the disciples..." As unpretentious as the twelve Jesus chose were, we can assume this argument was an honest gut-level one. They weren't masking false faces in order to be religious, they were arguing over what they each felt was their legitimate right. It was just according to human nature. "...as to which of them would be the greatest" (Lk 9:46). Bonhoeffer wrote that we should anticipate this contest to arise in every community. It "started" their argument, and it is what begins most human arguments. And we want our desire to be GREATER than all obstacles. James writes: "What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something BUT DON'T GET IT" (Ja 4:1-2a). But our zeal-packed desires must overcome! "You kill and you covet, but you CANNOT HAVE what you want" (Ja 4:2). Why can't we? Who is holding back this desired end from us? Is it possible that it's God? "You quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God" (Ja 4:2). Perhaps the more expressive the fight, the less expression has been poured before God. Considering your area of conflict, you are not getting what you desire. And your reaction to this being unmet...coveting, quarreling, hatred? What is the motive for this desire? Could it be "to spend on your pleasures" (Ja 4:3)? God will win. Please back down against this passion flaming in your soul. For try as you might, with whatever force you will destructively exert, for your sake "When you ask, you do not receive..." (Ja 4:3). May God win. |
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"What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something BUT DON'T GET IT" (Ja 4:1-2a) |
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