With a title like this, you might think that we’re unpacking Tolstoy’s novel, but that’s not actually the case. As we turn our attention to James 4:1-12, there is little doubt that it feels like we could camp within this text for the next couple of weeks. That’s because it can feel like verses 1-3, 4-6, or 7-10, or 11-12 are all separate and different from each other, with different themes. But if you take a step back and look at it from a 30,000 foot view, you can see a common theme tying it all together.

More than just interpersonal conflict, James is talking about a whole web of relational breakdowns – with others, with self, and with God. And, as is usual, James is not interested in surface fixes. Instead, he's getting to the heart and root of the matter - our own selfish desires and the things that war within us!

And what is the result? It affects our prayer lives, it affects our relationship with God, it affects our view of Scripture, and it affects our relationships with others. Instead, God gives us a remedy – submission to God and drawing near to him in humility. God says, “Come near to God and he will come near to you.”

The beauty of drawing near to God and finding peace with him is that it helps us to find peace within ourselves and peace with others. How wonderful is it that we can come as we are, even empty handed and with a simple prayer, and we are promised that God is where we are. Give thanks that what Jesus says in John 6:37 is true: “Whoever comes to me I will never drive away.”

May each of us find ourselves coming to Jesus.

Grace & Peace,

Pastor Aaron