the real issue…

humility is a difficult action that goes against the way we have been programed in the society in which we live.  we see it as a weakness instead of a strength but it is the cure for pride which is the cause for conflicts and arguments.

now in the the 4^th chapter of james he gives several specific practical actions that need to be taken in order to stop the fighting.  here is how you diffuse a conflict, whether it is between you and your child, you and your wife, husband, you and someone at work. 

james 4.7 (msg) says, so let GOD work HIS will in you. that is a humbling thing to do isn’t it?

in other words, let GOD be GOD in your life.  give HIM control.  put HIM in charge.  yield yourself to this is the starting point.  quit trying to run your own life.

in verse 1 (ncv) it says, the selfish desires that war within you. james says that conflict that happens with other people happens because you have conflict on the inside.  you don’t get along with other people because you’ve got a civil war in your own life.  this is the real issue.

so the starting point is getting peace inside before you can have peace outside.  find peace of mind, find peace in your heart. 

you see, the real conflict is inside of you – who’s in charge of my life.  now if you’re in charge, then anytime somebody comes along that doesn’t go the way you want to go, then you get uptight.  you get irritable.  you get upset.  you want things just the way you want them to go and when they don’t go that way, it makes you mad.  but if GOD’s in control, in charge of your life, it doesn’t irritate you as much.

just a thought from the front porch…