Mar. 26, 2023

Today we just need to turn on the news to see that there is conflict everywhere around us. In James 4 we see battles and conflict raging with other people, with God and even with ones-self. There are two main issues that seem to arise from these conflicts, and they are selfishness that leads to fighting and selfishness that keeps us from submitting to God. Insight in the 9th and 10th commandments help us understand coveting and desire. These desires can drive apart friends, families, and associates. Sinful desires grow in one’s sole and can drive people to shocking deeds. What starts as a simple desire can become the driving emotion of the heart. Nurturing sinful coveting can shut the door to God. If we are so focused on our desires, then we most-likely are hurting in our prayer life. What is the answer? Each of us have struggled with selfishness, evil and sinful desires. James 4:8 “come near to God and He will come near to you.” When we are struggling sinful desires, when we are at odds with those around us, when we are in that dark place…God is saying draw near to Me and I will draw near to you!