How could we be used if …. we’d only turn it all over to him.
In reading James the 4th chapter this morning, I realized a few things.
- The 4th chapter of James became my new favorite text in the bible.
- The 4th chapter of James is like a what if.
I’m not a bible commentator. There is my disclaimer, but the word of God is living and active and speaks to my heart just like it does yours. So here goes.
What if in verses 1-3 we would ask God for what we want with the right motives? I think about how many times my will was secretly for more. More recognition, more money myself, more comfort or freedom. What if my petitions were more about the right motives? I believe he’d answer much more frequently which leads to less quarreling, fighting and coveting.
What if in verses 4-10 we would make Jesus Lord of all of our life? What if we stepped out of the world 100% instead of 1/2 or 3/4? God is jealous for our attention or as the NIV says the spirit he caused to live within us envies intensely.
What if we resisted the devil? James tell us the evil one will flee. I’ve read of some amazing turning points in the lives of Christian businessmen who experienced tremendous success after this scenario played out. Come near to God and he will come near to you. He will exalt you if you humble yourself you double minded man. Sometimes I read these verses and think my picture should be next to the text.
Lastly, what if we let God whittle our goals, dreams and visions down to his will for our life. His will is that none should perish, above that you’ll get a million opinions. What if we dreamed big dreams with a sense of destiny, but approached them humbly. What if we avoided not only sins of commission but sins of omission like James refers to in verse 4:17. What if we showed up daily for our walk?
How much more could we build God’s kingdom if we made him the majority partner in our business?
I heard Max Lucado yesterday on the radio say, “Do most what you do best”.