Overcoming Worldly Desires
- Bishop Keith Butler
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
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. Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. (James 4:2-4)
James was the church leader in Jerusalem, a group of long-time believers who had mainly been part of the church since its inception. In this section of his letter, James addressed the root causes of various problems, including conflicts among members, unanswered prayers, and deep spiritual struggles. He stated that the primary issue was believers' selfish desires.
The word “kill” here translates more accurately to envy, denoting intense jealousy. Jealousy and envy lead to ongoing conflict and dissatisfaction because the heart remains unfulfilled, regardless of what is gained materially or socially. James highlighted two significant reasons for unmet desires: either they failed to pray entirely or they prayed incorrectly, which he called asking amiss.
Asking amiss involves praying with selfish motives, primarily aimed at fulfilling personal pleasure, enhancing personal status, or feeding personal pride. James even used the metaphor of adulterers and adulteresses when discussing believers who pray with selfish motives. He was not referring to physical adultery but to spiritual infidelity. Just as marriage is meant to be an exclusive relationship, our relationship with God is also intended to be exclusive.
When our hearts become excessively attached to worldly values, possessions, status, and pleasures, we essentially "cheat" on God. Everything in the world system is temporary and ultimately unsatisfying. Sin feels pleasurable for only a moment and then quickly turns empty.
However, everything in God's kingdom possesses enduring value. God’s way holds eternal worth, providing lasting peace, satisfaction, and fulfillment. Choose life, choose Heaven’s way, choose God.
Practical Application
Pause and examine your motives. Ask yourself: “Have I consulted God about what I want—or just assumed I should pursue it?” Are your prayers rooted in selfish ambition or surrendered trust?
