There's a Better Way – James 4
Chapter 3 ended praising those who cultivate peace. Chapter 4 begins with a sharp scold for those who don't.
James rips off the band-aid, pulling no punches, while identifying the root of war and strife among us believers; it's the passions within our own hearts, not the evil or injustice in teh world around us. He proclaims over and over again, "It's you ... it's you ... it's you!!"
But be of good cheer, there's a remedy for our struggles! God may resist the proud (frankly the root of almost every kind of sin imaginable) but the very same God gives abundant grace to those who will humble themselves before Him.
Humility is, a tricky deal, though. Right now our American Christian culture is awash with twisted concepts of what it means to be a "good" Christian, "biblically masculine", and "biblically feminine". It seems the loudest most controversial voices are the ones exalted above the rest as the "preservers of our faith" and "pillars of strength".
Just today I saw two different posts saying something like "If Merry Christmas offends you, well, then MERRY CHRISTMAS!!" As if intentionally offending people to whom we are called to love and minister is somehow a flagship move for Jesus.
But, thankfully, James reminds us the truly strong in the Lord are not those who lift themselves up, or howl the loudest at the cultural moon, but those who bring themselves low with subjugated posture; those who mourn and weep over their own sin, you know, those passions he mentioned earlier that wage war in the depths of our souls and do battle with our neighbors.
If you follow my writing and teaching, you know I'm no fan of formulas, but James lays a simple one out for us; a pathway to deeper relationship with our Creator.
James rips off the band-aid, pulling no punches, while identifying the root of war and strife among us believers; it's the passions within our own hearts, not the evil or injustice in teh world around us. He proclaims over and over again, "It's you ... it's you ... it's you!!"
But be of good cheer, there's a remedy for our struggles! God may resist the proud (frankly the root of almost every kind of sin imaginable) but the very same God gives abundant grace to those who will humble themselves before Him.
Humility is, a tricky deal, though. Right now our American Christian culture is awash with twisted concepts of what it means to be a "good" Christian, "biblically masculine", and "biblically feminine". It seems the loudest most controversial voices are the ones exalted above the rest as the "preservers of our faith" and "pillars of strength".
Just today I saw two different posts saying something like "If Merry Christmas offends you, well, then MERRY CHRISTMAS!!" As if intentionally offending people to whom we are called to love and minister is somehow a flagship move for Jesus.
But, thankfully, James reminds us the truly strong in the Lord are not those who lift themselves up, or howl the loudest at the cultural moon, but those who bring themselves low with subjugated posture; those who mourn and weep over their own sin, you know, those passions he mentioned earlier that wage war in the depths of our souls and do battle with our neighbors.
If you follow my writing and teaching, you know I'm no fan of formulas, but James lays a simple one out for us; a pathway to deeper relationship with our Creator.
Submit to God -> Resist the Devil -> Draw Near to God -> Cleanse Your Hands -> Purify Your Hearts
He calls to reverent intimacy, not shame. We aren't self-pitying navel gazers, but we are submitted servants.
It is in this humility He is finally able to exalt us to the place He intended. When we return to Him, He gladly receives us, tucks us in tight as any loving Father would do.
Our world, and sadly our churches, thrive on outrage, conflict, false accusation, and destructive pride. James shouts from the hills ...
It is in this humility He is finally able to exalt us to the place He intended. When we return to Him, He gladly receives us, tucks us in tight as any loving Father would do.
Our world, and sadly our churches, thrive on outrage, conflict, false accusation, and destructive pride. James shouts from the hills ...
There's a better way! Come home!
Recent
Archive
2026
January
Week 1. Day 4: The Word Became FleshWeek 1. Day 5: His Glory Among UsWeek 2. Day 1: Created for PurposeWeek 2. Day 2: Two Type of PowerWeek 2. Day 3: Formed for PurposeWeek 2. Day 4: The Visible Life of FaithWeek 2. Day 5: A Kingdom of PriestsWeek 3. Day 1: The Divine CounselWeek 3. Day 2: A Family View of RealityWeek 3. Day 3: The Indescribable Voice of God
2025
February
July
November
December
Day 8. 1 Peter 1 - Part 2Day 9. 1 Peter 2.Day 10: 1 Peter 3 - Part 2Day 10: 1 Peter 3 - Part 1Day 11. 1 Peter 4Day 12. 1 Peter 5Day 13. 2 Peter 1.Day 15. 2 Peter 2 - Part 2Day 14. 2 Peter 2 - Part 1Day 16. 2 Peter 3Day 16 (For Real). James 1.Day 17. James 2.Day 18. James 3.Day 19. James 4.Day 20. James 5.Day 21. Jude.All Things New 2026 Daily DevotionalWeek 1. Day 1: God's BlueprintWeek 1. Day 2: Crowned with GloryWeek 1. Day 3: Untarnished Companionship
1 Comment
Every day these are SO GOOD. Thanks Matt.
n