Sometimes we picture war as something occurring in other places of the world. War is not good in that it brings death and destruction even upon those who really have nothing to do with the conflict. However, we need to also maintain an awareness of the battles and conflict much closer to home than we might like to admit and the destruction such brings to relationships and even our own life.
James noted the awareness we must have in writing. . .
“(1) What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? (2) You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. (3) You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.” (James 4:1-3 ESV)
This battleground that begins in the heart can quickly spread to family relationships, relationships with friends and neighbors, work associates, and even brothers and sisters in Christ which sadly appears to be the context of James’ letter. When we fail to keep peace with our passions within, it will spill out into the actions of our life potential causing collateral damage around us. Therefore, what is our focus? What are the passions rumbling within us? Are we overly caught up in our own selfish desires and preferences that we find ourselves continually in conflict with those of others?
In consideration of our one anotherness, Paul urged. . .
“(3) Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. (4) Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:3-4 ESV)
With a proper life focus we can take part in creating a demilitarized zone to live peaceably so far as it depends on us. (note Romans 12:18) May God help us control the passions within as we become passionate about bringing peace where we can!
Have a great day BEING AT PEACE TO HELP BRING PEACE!
Carl
