Do you ever feel at odds with fellow believers? Like your desires and preferences clash, breeding disunity and discord? You're not alone. Since the early church, Christians have wrestled with quarrels and dissension in the ranks. Thankfully, Scripture offers hope for conflict: humble submission to God. As we resist prideful hearts, draw near to God, and grieve over divisions, the Spirit cultivates gospel unity among us. When we fix our eyes on Christ—clinging to His grace—His resurrection enables us to walk in harmony. No matter what divisions threaten, we can have hope. Christ's death and resurrection reconcile us to God and each other.
Church Counselor Kevin Richard discusses the quarrels and conflicts already arising in the early church. He unpacks the root causes of disunity and “friendly fire” among believers – our own sinful desires. Though Christ had only been gone a short time, believers were already giving in to fleshly desires that bred bitter quarrels and dissension.
James pinpoints the root issue as hedonistic desires that wage war within our hearts. When we coddle these desires, conflict is the inevitable result. James’ solution is humble submission to God, which resists the devil, draws near to God, repents of sin, and grieves over divisions.
Humility requires putting God’s mission over personal preferences and desires. When we lay aside our own agendas to advance the gospel together, we reflect the unity of our Savior. As we submit ourselves wholly to God, we will walk in greater unity with our brothers and sisters in Christ. The fruit of humility is unity and harmony within the church.
James opens chapter 4 with hard truths for the church. According to James 4:1-3, what causes fights, quarrels and conflicts?