Look Within, Not Around

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)

It’s easy to look around and judge others. Pointing out the mistakes and flaws we see makes us feel good, allowing us to overlook the areas we need to fix in our lives. James wrote this to challenge believers to look inward rather than outward when feelings of self-righteousness, envy, or jealousy arise.

James’ church was full of seasoned believers, yet there remained a significant issue of competition, arguments, jealousy, and even hostility among the believers toward one another.

Some people use their judging of the shortcomings of certain Christians as a reason to avoid involvement in church altogether. They might say, “Well, I know several people who claim to be Christian, but they are just hypocrites.” However, it is important to understand that God will not judge based on comparison. He won't place you among others and say, “Well, compared to them, I guess you’re good.” No. Each of us will stand individually before God, and at that moment, we cannot use the actions of others as an excuse for our inaction. God will examine our hearts, actions, and motivations.

Rather than comparing ourselves to others, we should channel that energy into reflecting on our relationship with God.

James wrote to inform Christians that our prayers are hindered when we judge others and attack them. You don’t want your prayers to be obstructed. God desires our prayers to align with His vision and His heart.

Practical Application

Live intentionally and ask God where you need to grow. He’s not asking you to be perfect, but He expects you to diligently address the areas you may neglect. Ask the Holy Spirit about the aspects He sees that require change.

2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 20:12

Count it All Joy

My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations. (James 1:2)

I’m sure you’ve had moments when life seemed to be hitting you not just from one direction but from all sides. James used the term “divers,” meaning many-faced or many-faceted attacks. In those moments, it's easy to let discouragement, anger, and jealousy take over our thoughts and attitudes. Yet, in James 1, he wrote a powerful message about what believers are called to do instead: Count it all joy.

Now, you need to understand the context and world in which this was written. Christians faced intense persecution, and Jewish Christians suffered even more as anti-Semitism swept through the Roman world. These believers encountered real-life hardships and separations as they scattered to protect themselves from death.

James wrote to these believers, explaining that this wasn’t random, it wasn’t a mistake, and it was methodical. Satan brings life's difficulties to distract, discourage, and make us doubt God’s plan. He can’t take your anointing, gift, or call, but he can try to divert your attention from it and instead get you to focus entirely on him and how negative this situation is. Trials and problems don’t simply occur because we have done something wrong. Those difficulties often arise because we have received the Word of God, and the enemy wants us to abandon it immediately.

James wasn’t suggesting that we enjoy suffering. He was saying that we can choose to focus on and receive joy as the fruit of the Spirit, coming from our time in the presence of God, instead of concentrating on how fiercely the enemy is fighting. When you face trials, remember it's not because you've failed—it's because you're growing.

Practical Application

Stop talking about how bad the devil is. Stop wasting your time on problems, worries, and the mess. When you feel tempted, say aloud, “I have the joy of the Lord.”  Receive His joy and walk in it.

Mark 4:17, Matthew 13:21

When Affliction Arises

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. (James 1:1)

Have you ever considered to whom James wrote his letter and why he began it this way? It’s easy to overlook introductions in the epistles, letters, and books of the Bible. However, every greeting, every word, and every Scripture carries meaning. You shouldn’t read the Bible like a textbook or some spiritual self-help guide.

The Bible is the living, breathing Word of God, and the people in it faced real struggles, had real families, and endured real conflicts as they trusted and followed God. When you read the Word, you should understand what was happening, place yourself in the Scripture, and feel what they felt.

James was writing this letter to the Jewish believers who had been scattered due to severe persecution. They encountered hostility and uncertainty as they faced a challenge they had not anticipated.

Thousands of believers were forced to abandon their homes, businesses, communities, and even places of worship as they fled. They received terrific revelations, thousands of people were being added to the church daily, and the power of God was strongly manifesting in their everyday lives. Yet, they continued to face attacks in every way.

Believers should not be surprised by the enemy's attacks; this is precisely what Jesus promised would happen. In His parable of the sower, Jesus explained that one way Satan attempts to steal our faith is through afflictions. These scattered Christians faced an intense, immediate trial of their faith. Their comfort and stability had been taken from them, leaving them to question whether Jesus was worth it. James encouraged them to look beyond their challenges and focus on God’s promises and plans.

Practical Application

Take some time today to encourage someone who is struggling. The enemy may be attempting to steal their joy, focus, or determination to continue in the things of God. Encourage them, as James did with the scattered church, to concentrate on God’s heavenly perspective. 

John 7:35; Acts 15:23