Faith involves seeking godly attitudes and wisdom from above, rather than indulging in behaviors that lead to strife and evil. Trouble often arises as a result of lust and greed, and developing close friendships with the world can lead to becoming unfaithful to God. It’s important to submit to God and resist the devil.

1 Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? 

2 You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask. 

3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. 

4 Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 

5 Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”?

6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 

8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 

9 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 

10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

~ James 4:1-10

My God and Lord: You alone deserve glory, honor, and praise. There is often a lot of disagreement and conflict that arises from things that are not under control and drive people’s actions. I, too, have been guilty of behaving with lust and desire for things I could not obtain. I also have asked for things and not received them because my intentions were purely selfish. I made wrong choices and became an enemy to You, which is not the attitude You have instilled in me! Thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus. Thank You for revealing Yourself to me through Him. Thank You for saving me from my own sinful conduct! I humbly submit myself to You, even now! Please continue to cleanse my hands and purify my heart, O Lord. I desire genuine change in my heart and life. Continue refining me so that I can be more useful in Your service! Amen.