Several topics are covered by James in today’s NT reading, but humility is the key thread that connects all the beads together.
There are fights and quarrels among people (Js 4:1a), and they are caused by individual’s desire (4:1b). Such desire never comes from a love for God, though it may be covered under such façade. The true reason for such desire is for personal pleasure (4:3), and such desire comes from worldly influences (4:4). In other words, it originates from a discontent of what has been given by God. “I deserve better than this!” With such mentality, the fighting and quarreling will continue. We see this in church and in our homes.
Besides fighting, people also slander and judge one another (4:11). When it comes to seeing other people’s shortcomings, our sight is often ultra sharp. But when it comes to seeing our own shortcomings, our sight is often amazingly blind. We are able to put together a long list of reason why the decision made by others is flawed, but we can scarcely come up with a critique for our own decision. When we do that, we are judging the Law (4:11) for the Law stipulates us to love our neighbor as ourselves. As a result, we are putting ourselves above God’s Law. “But you – who are you to judge your neighbor?” (4:12)
Finally, we plan for our own future (4:13). We calculate each step to the minute detail, and we put our future firmly in our own hands. However, the fact is that we don’t even know what will happen to us tomorrow (4:14). Anyone who is honest about our own experience must come to the same conclusion: we really have no control over tomorrow. Therefore, a true believer of God should always begin his plan with “if it’s the Lords will” (4:15).
The great news is that all our flaws can be covered with one important virtue – humility. A humble person is a grateful person, and he is content with what God has given him. A humble person is a gentle person, and he sees the strength of other people. A humble person is a wise person, and he knows who holds tomorrow and who holds his hand. Therefore, God gives grace to the humble (4:6). To gain humility, we must come near to God. When we do that earnestly, he will come near to us (4:8) and bestow humility. This is our greatest hope.
Keep on reading.
Your pastor