ORIGINS OF CONFLICT
ORIGINS OF CONFLICT
What causes quarrels and what causes fights among you? Is it not this, that your passions are at war within you? —James 4:1
What is going on inside you today? Are you passionate/desirous about the right things or wrong things? Is there a war going on inside you because of your passions/desires? Would these passions/desires that are warring inside you cause quarrels and fights with others? Maybe you should stop right now, pray and see what God has to say about this— “You do not have because you do not ask God” (1:2). When we do seek God are we seeking with right motives? Or is it when we talk to Him it is out of selfishness— “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures” (1:3).
God knows the motivations and intentions of our heart. He knows us better than we know ourselves— “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:12-13). So listen to Him and allow Him to impact the warring passions/desires that are going on inside you. Only He can bring peace— “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
So if there are fights and quarrels taking place among people it is because of what is going on inside those people. The warring passions/desires inside them make their way out and now involve other people. No longer is it just the individual that is involved, but they have brought out the struggles from within and are now impacting other people with those passions/desires that cause conflict. So if you are in conflict, check your inner passions/desires, motives and intentions. If you are in conflict with yourself, then there inevitability will be conflict with others.
Dear Father I am grateful that you are always there and I can depend on You fully and all the time. Even when I have these struggles going on inside me I know that You do not abandon me and want what is best for me. May I look to You to show me the best and be faithful in following what is best. May this be so by the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Your Son Jesus, my Lord and King. So be it! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5g4mEfQcRW4