Fights and Wars Among You

Where do fights and wars among humans come from?

"Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, 'The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously'? But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: 'God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.' Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." (James 4:1-7, NKJV)

They come from lust, greed, envy, jealousy, pride, and a host of other evils that reside within. Certainly, the Deceiver can influence, but we would still fight and war without his prodding.

"The heart is deceitful above all things, And desperately wicked; Who can know it?" (Jeremiah 17:9, NKJV)

But there is hope. When Jesus returns, He will finally bring real and lasting peace to the world through His kingdom.

"For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, To order it and establish it with judgment and justice From that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this." (Isaiah 9:6-7, NKJV)

Grace and peace.

The Magnitude of Sin

People won't understand the IMPORTANCE of the SOLUTION (salvation), or the SIGNIFICANCE of the ACTION taken to provide a remedy for the situation (incarnation, crucifixion, resurrection), until they recognize the MAGNITUDE of the PROBLEM (sin).

Purpose in Struggle

Life can be tough! But for the Believer there is purpose. The Lord grows, and matures, and shapes us through struggle. Because of sin, yes; but that is the reality within which we live. But be encouraged! Adversity and hardship are not always an indicator that you are doing something wrong. Oftentimes, it is the exact opposite; an indicator that you are on the right path and in His will!

If life for the Believer is about being conformed to the image of our Lord, and if Jesus suffered during His life, then how can we be made like Christ without suffering too? The answer is: We can't! Let me be clear, we don't suffer to pay for our own sins, nor do we suffer to earn favor, rather, we suffer to be conformed to Christ; to be made more like Him!

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." -Romans 8:28, NKJV

"For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren." -Romans 8:29, NKJV

"Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy." -1 Peter 4:12-13, NKJV

"The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together." -Romans 8:16-17, NKJV

"Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will keep yours also." -John 15:20, NKJV

"In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ," -1 Peter 1:6-7, NKJV

"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." -Romans 8:18, NKJV

New Every Morning

"Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness." -Lamentations 3:22-23, NKJV

Every day you can have a fresh start with God. It doesn't matter what happened yesterday, today can be a new beginning. The baggage of the past can be let go. The slate can be wiped clean. Great is His love, compassion, grace, mercy, and faithfulness. Ask for His grace and a new beginning, and you shall receive. Thank you Lord!