God loves a good argument

couples fighting 

Read James 4:1-11

Come near to God and he will come near to you.  James 4:8

A good argument

Ever given any thought to what evokes arguments (fights) among family and friends? If surveyed man and women would unleash a plethora of reasons – more fingers pointing and less searching of the man in the mirror.  Understand there may be times a ‘fair argument’ is in order. But for the sake of this argument (pun intended) these frequent spats revels a greater problem which is often over looked. The Bible highlights the root cause for the common disagreement which typically affects many Christians.

Bible view of arguments

James pointed out in Chapter 4:1-11, fights and quarrels stem from inner battles of desires. Because you do not have [your desires], it kills you. So, is James suggesting by not getting desires it ignites frustration and questions God?  According to the bible the succinct answer is yes. So does God answer prayers if our motives are not pure?  The simple answer is no.

Many prayers have elements of personal requests. Based on God, His will, and time, they are answered – in whole or in part.  But people covet their desires of the heart by pimping God through selfish prayer. It is safe to say when EGO driven prayers are ushered heaven bound they Edge God Out.  Parishioners are not focusing on God’s purpose and in return God refuses to hear or answer. 

When prayers/desires go unanswered the stormy cycle continues and anger towards God increase, “where are you God when I need you.” Frustration follows along with disappointment of self.  The least thing triggers a full blown argument which is typically much to do about nothing.  The attempt to do it your way and not God’s way opens a person’s spirit to dangerous warfare.

Are you praying with wrong motives? Reevaluate your prayers.  Are your prayers seeking the pleasures of life or do you seek God first?  Jesus told us to A.S.K. – Ask and you shall receive seek and you will find knock and the doors will be opened Matthew 7:7-8.  Jesus’ promise was when we ask the Spirit will work in us.  He was not promising that we will receive whatever we think we wanted but that the Holy Spirit may direct our hearts so that we will desire the things that God desires and in exchange he will pour out his blessing pressed down and running over. 

Change the desires. Stop the arguments, pray for God’s desire and watch your life manifest in to the true desires of God. In the end you will still win!