“From whence come wars and fightings among you? Come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts” (James 4:1-3).
We’ve been working very hard to become good body builders. One of the issues we have not addressed is found in our June study: “Treating Muscle Tension.” As you read those words, you may even find yourself tensing up right now. Being aware of what causes muscle tightness is half the battle. The other half is how to treat tension in various muscle groups. Exercising and stretching are important to keep muscles from becoming painfully sore.
From a spiritual perspective, our study writer deals with “resolving conflict in the body of Christ.” Really, there are conflicts? It is a reality of life that can even be traced back to characters in the Bible. We will feature some of them within the first two weeks of our study. Many of us can relate to those conflicts.
Conflicts can cause as many problems as muscle spasms. They can affect the well-being of the body of Christ.
Now to today’s verses. We are not talking about the heathen. As www.biblegateway.com states, “This has James making a clearer moral exhortation, warning that Christians’ covetous desires lead to murderous fighting.” Is it any wonder a holy God isn’t answering the prayers of those whose motives are far from pure? There becomes a conflict in our relationship with God. Sadly, many don’t feel the tension.
As we look to some Biblical characters and see their conflicts, may we learn from them and realize tension will not diminish if conflicts go unresolved. In the process of becoming a great body builder there will be setbacks and conflicts. However, be not dismayed. Look to God for the strength and answers you need to overcome them.
Sue Winchester
Missouri
PRAY TOGETHER: Pray for Home Missions editor Ida Lewis as she recovers from recent surgery.
