James writes to saints who were dealing with conflicts and envy, But He (God) giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. (James 4:6). In Mary’s prayer, she said, God hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree (Luke 1:52).
Problems and conflicts amongst the people of God are to be expected. They are inevitable. What The Spirit of God wants the people of God to understand is that God’s way of dealing with conflict is far different than man’s way. What you and I call a misunderstanding, James calls wars and fightings because the way they were handling issues was in the flesh and filled with pride, instead of in The Spirit and grounded in Christ-like humility.
Remember how James taught us about the wisdom from below and the wisdom from above in James 3:13-18? Listen to Proverbs 13:10, Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom. Self centered praying (James 4:3) and worldly behavior (James 4:4) in their private lives was the cause of proud, devilish (James 4:6,7) attitudes between the people of God.
What is the counsel of God? Submit to God. Resist the devil. Draw near to God. Purify your heart and double minded thinking. Mourn. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up (James 4:10). The Spirit of God flows so beautifully when brethren dwell together in unity. But The Spirit of God is grieved and quenched when we give place to the flesh.
Beloved, may the counsel of The Spirit of God, and the grace of humility be the basis of how we settle all of our conflicts and disputes, not only in this church but in our homes, for that is the place where the presence of God chooses to dwell. For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones (Isa 57:15) SELAH
Koinonia Fellowship
Sundays at 8:30a and 10:30a
500 Main St. East Rochester, NY 14445