Considering My Challenges Pure Joy

^{James 1:12}Anyone who meets a testing challenge head-on and manages to stick it out is mighty fortunate. For such persons loyally in love with God, the reward is life and more life.

I’m in a long meeting right now with a testing challenge. A matter that is no laughing matter. One that I’ve realized is the base of who Jesus is. Real Love. The challenge is to deny myself of everything I can think of (besides life’s necessities) so I can see past myself and see others. The truth is, if I don’t stick this out, I’m going to live a lonely life. Plus, several individuals that I have known, or still know, have been brought to my attention that selfishness has destroyed either their whole life or a big part of it. It’s scary!

God, your Word says that I should consider it pure joy to have this challenge. Well, I do. I can see that I must go through this (as much as I am hurting because of my path leading here) to experience your love. Your Real Love.

James 4: 1-5

Yesterday, Pastor James (haha, not the auther of the Bible Book of James) casually posted on his Twitter that he was reading James 4: 1-5.

Yesterday, Chris Smith (me) realized how much his life sucked ’cause of his strong selfishness and blatant ignoring of his Father. He got fed up with his current life and decided that he needed to climb out of the bottom of the barrel towards the heavens.

I’m thinking that P. James didn’t read my post. In fact, I think I saw his Twitter post, then I read the Bible verses. What I’m getting at is that I just witnessed God using P. James (probably unknowingly to him) to show me what I needed to read. How awesome!?

So I just Googled James 4: 1-5 to find it quick and the first link was actually a small study on the verses.

The fact of the matter is that I have been such a worldly person. When your personal desires for fulfillment and satisfaction take precedent over your loyalty to God and love for the brethren, it is war. I need peace not war. I want to be on God’s side, not the world’s. He has much better for me.

I haven’t read the first 3 chapters of James yet, but this fourth chapter really is speaking to my soul.

James 4:1-5 (The Message)

^1-2Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves. You lust for what you don’t have and are willing to kill to get it. You want what isn’t yours and will risk violence to get your hands on it.

God, I truly have only wanted my own way. Now I realize that ultimate selfishness leads to lonliness. It hurts. I have risked nearly losing my closest friend over getting what I want. But no more! Help me live selfless.

^2-3You wouldn’t think of just asking God for it, would you? And why not? Because you know you’d be asking for what you have no right to. You’re spoiled children, each wanting your own way.

^4-6You’re cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and his way. And do you suppose God doesn’t care? The proverb has it that “he’s a fiercely jealous lover.” And what he gives in love is far better than anything else you’ll find. It’s common knowledge that “God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble.”

Your love is far better than anything else? This I must have.
God, I vow to find You and to read and know Your Word. Teach me to love and live selfless.

The study says that in verses 6-10 he’ll give us his prescription explaining the solution to this problem. I can’t wait to read up on that tomorrow.

-Chris