Things don't just happen!

James 4 (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.

Our world is full of quarrels, wars, and violence. Sometimes it's hard to remember what cause them. They don't just happen. They always come about because people are stubborn and want their own way. It seems like these battles always occur because somebody wants something someone else has. The battle between Israel and the Palestinians is over land ownership. The battle between republicans and democrats is a perfect example of selfishness and "wanting your own way".  We really don't know the meaning of compromise. We can never be gracious in defeat. Instead of wanting America to be the greatest place in the world to live, we would rather see the other side fail so we can pick up the pieces.  We are never just satisfied with victory. We have to embarrass and destroy. We have this amazing win at all cost attitude. We trash talk in sports, politics, and life.

We need to change. I need to change. This world is heading for a big fall if we don't change our selfish ways. We can't change on our own. It can only be done with the great will and power of Jesus Christ. 

Lord, Change me. Please bring revival to our land. Help us to focus on you and not ourselves. Help us to put ourselves last and others first. Help us to learn to be gracious in victory and defeat. Help us to worship you and not the things of this earth. We love you Lord and we ask you to help us to make a difference. Amen!