Today's inspiration comes from something I wrote over 2 years ago that was inspired by James 4: 1 - 9 (NIV):
4 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?2 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. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. 4 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. 5 Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us? 6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” 7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom"
As I read an email, I came across James 4:9 and it threw me. So, you're telling me to no longer have this feeling of inner peace and this euphoric feeling that all will be okay? This sent in into a whirlwind. Being me, I had to look up the scripture because I needed a complete understanding of the Word and in what application it was being used.
James 4:1-6 discussed those that aren't living a godly life. Those fighting and quarreling. Those that want those blessings that they can see and feel and know. But, James 4:7 is where the direction begins to turn - Submit yourselves, then, to God. Essentially, we should be handing over control to God. Allowing Him to have total control of our lives. Get away from that which means us no good - "....wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded" (James 4:8).
Your laughter and joy before your submission to God were worldly - fleshly. They were brought out when your flesh felt good. Changing your worldly laughter and joy means that you are no longer entertaining things of this world that could harm you - drugs, people, attitudes, desires of grandeur.
Yes, change your laughter and your joy. But, know why you need to change them. As with any scripture, ensure that you know the content and context of God;s meaning. Scripture out of context is dangerous and can lead to your downfall. Just ask Eve who listened to the snake who knew the Word and used it against her.
Be A Blessing and Not Just Blessed
- Nakya
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