Uniquely Loved
24-01-04
James 4:1 What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members? 2 You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures.
It’s going to take a bit of work to get past these verses. We explored how our lust for physical things changes the sacrifice of Christ to merely a murder for our own gain. Let’s look at the second portion of that verse:
You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel.
As the accuser, it’s easy for me to make comments like “look at so and so who’s getting all the blessings; leaving you nothing because you’re trying to be a do gooder.” “Nobody is going to look out for you as well as you do.” Or how about “You deserve to have just as much as the next guy.”
Or, we can flip the script the moment we realize a feeling of jealousy popping up. If I value my relationship with my Creator, the moment I catch myself looking jealousy at what someone else has, rather than what He has given me, then I should recognize that my gaze has gone “horizontal” rather than “upward.”
Aren’t each of of created uniquely for God’s purpose? Doesn’t it make sense that He will give us what He deems valuable for our individual fulfillment?
Or do we think the thief on the cross didn’t deserve paradise? Or the laborer who worked all day was a fool when the one hired late still received a days wage?
Father, You made me unique. Fill me with gratitude for what You give me, rather than envy of what You give to others.