Friday, January 15: You ask with wrong motives

Read James 4:1-6

 

The New Testament letter of James challenges believers on several fronts. Where do trials come from? Are we saved by listening or by doing, by faith or by works? How should we treat the rich and the poor? Join with us as we read through this important, practical book.

Read James 4:1-6

What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us? But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:

"God opposes the proud

but shows favor to the humble."

 

Reflect

In some places, the Bible seems to indicate that God will give us anything we ask for. But here James makes clear that when we ask with wrong motives, God won't grant those requests. Can you think of times you've prayed for something for reasons that were selfish, hedonistic, or hurtful to others?

Respond

It's hard for us to be deeply honest with ourselves about our motives. Only God's Spirit can help us see ourselves truly. Ask his help in getting beyond the excuses, the rationalizations, the blind spots. Know that he loves you in spite of your faults.

 

 

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