James 4 reminds me of the best marital advice I ever received. Financial Advisor Larry Burkett said, most of the arguments come down to: “Why can’t you be more like me?” He humorously added: “if both of you are the same, one of you is unnecessary”. Couples need to understand each have strengths, and together, both are made better. Today’s lesson is about overcoming arrogance. James begins with a question to the body of believers: “What causes fights and quarrels among you?” He points out the real issue; conflict begins with the “desires that battle within you.” For example: “You desire but do not have” or “You covet but you cannot get… so you quarrel and fight.” This is still true. Someone has something that we “deserve”, and that sparks a small resentment. If that emotion is not managed, we might take action. In contrast, James taught: “You do not have because you do not ask God.” Does this imply that God gives us everything we ask? Certainly not. He adds: “you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives.” When I combine these thoughts, I ponder what I want, and why I want it. Often, we want to satisfy a selfish pleasure, but we do not want the corresponding responsibility. Envy destroys our motivation to make inward changes.
James points out our folly: “You adulterous people.” We live in a disposable world; It is easier to use, and then toss away, than it is to preserve and maintain. Sadly, we can do this with people as well. James taught: “friendship with the world means enmity against God.” We can dismiss other humans with a swipe of a finger. My friend, God has not discarded you! James explains that, though we have turned away from God: “He jealously longs for the spirit He has caused to dwell in us.” He gives us His Spirit because He knows we are valuable. God will not treat us like trash. Even though we may curse God, “He gives us more grace.” James quotes from Proverbs 3:34: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Pride will not listen, and will not yield. Pride can often leave us isolated. Renewal begins by sincerely asking for forgiveness. Humility before God allows us to become useful.
The chapter closes with a discussion on the differences between mankind and God. We are quite different and have very different needs. James declares: “Submit yourselves… to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” We are not equipped for that battle. James tells us the way to resist is to draw near the Savior: “Come near to God and He will come near to you.” I picture a toddler clinging to their parent’s leg. James continues, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” When we are lifted up, we gain a godly perspective, and a desire for others to enjoy the same inspired view. James adds a specific warning: “do not slander one another.” Don’t make a false accusation intended to harm someone’s reputation. He explains the hypocrisy of “sitting in judgment” of someone while having incomplete knowledge. He then describes something like we see today when lawmakers pass laws, and then exempt themselves. He says, you place yourself above the law, and above other people. He then asks: “who are you to judge your neighbor?” We are quick to find the faults in other people. Friend, we are all sinners saved by God’s grace. He closes with reminder that life is short: “You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” So often we prioritize wealth or power to define our success: “you boast in your arrogant schemes.” James asks: “What is your life?” Finally, there is another kind of arrogance. James cautions the timid: He knows “the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it.” Humility is not weakness, but great power, under God’s authority. Together, we are all made better.