"ME FIRST"

"ME FIRST"

READ:
James 4:1-10

Put off, concerning your former
conduct, the old man which grow
corrupt according to the deceitful
lusts.  -Ephesians 4:22

A man once asked me, "What is your biggest problem?"  I replied, "I see my biggest problem every day in the mirror."  I am referring to those "me first" desires that lurk in my heart.

In  James 4:1 we read: "Where do wars and fights come from among you?  Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?"  The words "desires for pleasure" refer to our self-serving desires.  That's why in James 1:14 we are told:  "Each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed."  James warns that such "me first" desires will destroy our friendship with God (4:4) and cause division, wars, and fights (vv.1-2).

Therefore, we are told to put off "me first" thinking.  How do we do this?  First, "Submit to God" (4:7).  We need to get our ranking right-God is God and His will must always be first.  Second, "Draw near to God" (v.8). Deal with those desires that lead to sin by going to God for cleansing.  Don't be double-minded, desiring both evil and good.  But rather desire to please God alone.  Third, "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord" (v.10).  Then "He will lift you up."

Remember, "me first" living is not the key to success.  Put God first. -Albert Lee

I once was full of self, and proud
Just like a Pharisee,
Until one day, quite by surprise,
I caught a glimpse of me. -Hawthorne
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When you forget yourself, you usually start doing
something others will remember.

INSIGHT
"God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble" (v.6) is a consistent and emphatic warning from Scripture (Isaiah 2:11-12, 17; 1 Peter 5:5).  Using strong language, Solomon says that God hates the proud (Proverbs 6:16-17); and three times, Jesus Himself warned, "Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted" (Matthew 23:12; Luke 14:11; 18:14).

Have a blessed day.
God Our Creator's Love Always
Unity & Peace