James 4:1a – “Those conflicts and disputes among you, where do they
come from…?”
Whether it’s with a spouse, a family member or a co-worker, conflict is inevitable in this life. We are different. We see things differently. We have different opinions. But what’s at the core of conflict? If we can identify thee root of conflict we may be able to resolve it easier, although not eliminate it because of the reasons mentioned above. Out text from today’s New Testament One Year Bible reading asks the question, “Where do (conflicts and disputes) come from? James answers the question for us…
1. Evil desires at war within you. James suggests relational conflict occurs because of conflict inside of us. There is a war going on inside that simply manifests itself on the outside. Before we find fault with others let’s take a closer look in the mirror.
2. You want what you don’t have. There is something we want and because we don’t possess it we are angry, frustrated and ready to chop someone’s head off. James says it this way, “you scheme and kill to get it.”
3. You don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. James 1:17 tells us that every good and perfect gift comes down from above. When we don’t look to Him for what we need (as taught by Jesus on the Sermon on the Mount-see Matthew chapters 5-7) we become anxious and worried. That’s is fertile ground for conflict.
4. Your motives are all wrong. Lust, greed and covetousness will get you into trouble and cause you to be abrasive.
This may be hard to hear but James puts the causes of conflict squarely on our shoulders. Let’s own it and revisit Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 5:9 Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Be determined to be a peacemaker.