James 4:2
Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.
This thought requires some linguistic background before beginning. The word, “lust” here is not the same original word as was used in Verse 1. As we discussed, the lust in verse 1 was referring to hedonistic, sensual, worldly desires; It referred to a lifestyle of inappropriate desires and wishes.
This particular word in and of itself has neither negative or positive connotations. It simply means here, “a strong desire.”This is actually the same word for desire that Paul used in 1 Timothy 3:1 in reference to a man desiring to have the office of pastor.
What is being described here is an ongoing, continuous state of unfulfilled desire. The object of the desires is not so much the topic here, but the fact that the desires exist and are constantly not being fulfilled. Having said that, however, it seems the context of this passage overall indicates that the desires in question here are worldly, fleshly desires rather than Godly ones. But, again, the specific object of the desire doesn’t really matter; what matters is what happens as a result of these unfulfilled desires.
Before we progress onward into what James has to say, let’s think about how we react to our own unfulfilled desires. I think we all know how the world reacts; the world fosters a real, “I’m going to get mine,” mentality. The business world is replete with a “dog eat dog” mentality. The world of social mobility is packed those willing to step on the person ahead of them on the ladder to get ahead themselves. What so we see in the world when people do not get their desires met on an ongoing basis? Is that what we are seeing in our churches today?
Truth in Palmyra 
February 20, 2015 at 23:07
I think that there is some confusion as to why people are the way they are. Why is it one person will step on another person to achieve something or why do we lust and desire good and bad things.
It has been proven that we have parts of the brain that fire up when we are stimulated with past events, people, sights, events, films and experiences etc. We are influenced from day one by the society we’re in, such as religious, political, moralistic, cultural and even sporting or leisure past times including other of life’s dictatorships such as smoking, drug taking and drinking that can also be attributed to sickness and inheritance. We also defer to tradition, usually for no good reasons but all these experiences influence us often in a positive or negative way and obviously are the major underlying criteria for our choices in life.
Often individuals take a solid unwavering position that involves politics, religious or criminal affiliations. This can become obsessive and in some respects uncontrollable and narrows decision-making down to two options such as black or white, good or evil with religion obviously claiming the good part but often haveing too much importance on the life after death concept. A religious obsessive has less focus on the importance of this life on earth and what makes him feel fulfilled in it and is too focused on the concept of being saved and going to heaven for an afterlife.
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February 20, 2015 at 23:13
Skl thanks for commenting…but not sure what it has to do with the post really.
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February 22, 2015 at 04:44
You are correct to some extent Wally it was a bit of the track but I believe your article did finish with some crititicism of the mentality we use to fill our own desires. I was explaining in my comment that people act like they do because they are influenced by so many things past and present that manifest in their thoughts and actions. It is well known that our subconcious is in more control of our free will than we can realise.
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February 22, 2015 at 12:32
SKL
I don’t really know from which direction you are criticizing this devotional, so answering you is difficult. I don’t know if you are critiquing my analysis of the scripture passage in question, or the accuracy of the Scripture itself. So, I will respond to both.
If your issue is with the way I have handled this passage, then I have one question? Have you actually taken the time to read the Book of James? If no, then your really don’t have a dog in this fight, for you then have no basis to criticize my analysis of it. If yes, then you are simply wrong. This passage, in the context of a letter written to believers is clearly about how the wrong source for our desires produces wrong desires, which then produces frustration, which then produces strife and conflict in the church. Clearly that is so.
If you are criticizing the accuracy of the Scripture itself, then I ask the same question. I expand it, however to include the entire Bible. Have you, in fact, read and studied it? If not, once again, you have no dog in this fight. If yes, then produce the arguments based on time spent studying the Scripture, history, language and culture to support your criticism of it.
Have a nice day and thanks for commenting.
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February 22, 2015 at 14:33
Deep thought Wally for my little mind. It does get my wheels to turning about me though. Off the top of my head I would say when I don’t get what I want , sometime I will get frustrated. From Jesus’s perspective if I would ask him about it I might receive might not. either way it will be best for me. So many times I will desire the wrong things. Only by asking then excepting what I get or don’t get do I have peace. One thing is for sure when I am bucking Jesus about my desires I will always lose. See as you already know Jesus wants the best for me,so it is always best just to desire him and not lust for the things of this world. Really a deep post for me. I really did enjoy this .
Much love Tom
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February 22, 2015 at 14:37
Tom…I don’t suspect your mind is little at all LOL. I liked what you said about Jesus knowing best anyway so..why don’t we just go with it in the first place. Would save us so much grief wouldn’t it?
Thanks so much for the encouragement Tom. It means much
Love in Jesus
Wally
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February 22, 2015 at 15:36
Yes it would Wally. Jesus is so very patient with me. I think the old devil has the volume up to loud sometimes.
Peace Wally
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