Faithful Living

Introduction:

Illustration: Major Dick Winters at Normandy

During the D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944, Major Dick Winters, then a lieutenant, was leading Easy Company, part of the 101st Airborne Division, in their mission to secure the area around Utah Beach. As they parachuted into France under heavy fire, the situation was chaotic, with many paratroopers scattered far from their intended drop zones.

Winters found himself with only a small group of soldiers and had to decide what to do. Despite the chaos and the opportunity to act independently in such a situation, Winters adhered to his training and orders. He organized his small group and led a successful assault on a German artillery position at Brécourt Manor. This position was shelling the beach and could have caused significant casualties among the landing Allied forces.

Winters’ decision to follow his orders and work within the framework of the mission, rather than acting on his own impulses in the heat of battle, was crucial. His actions not only saved countless lives but also contributed to the success of the broader D-Day operation.

This real story exemplifies the tension between personal impulse and submission to authority. Winters could have easily tried to go his own way, but by submitting to the larger plan and following orders, he played a pivotal role in one of the most critical battles of World War II. This mirrors the spiritual struggle believers face: the choice between following our desires or submitting to God’s will, trusting that His plan is greater than our immediate understanding.

Context:James addresses the conflicts and quarrels among believers, pointing out that these arise from desires that battle within. He calls them to choose sides in this spiritual battle by submitting to God and resisting the devil.

1. Submit to God (James 4:1-10):

A. The Source of Conflicts: Desires and Pride

-James highlights that the conflicts among believers stem from their desires for pleasure, which lead to envy, strife, and even violence.

- Illustration Compare this to a family feud where everyone wants to be right, but no one is willing to listen or humble themselves, leading to a breakdown in relationships.

B. Steps to Draw Near to God: Submission, Humility, and Repentance

- James outlines practical steps for drawing near to God: submitting to His authority, humbling oneself, and repenting of sin.

- Illustration: The Skilled Potter and the Clay

Imagine a master potter at work, shaping a lump of clay on his wheel. The potter has a clear vision of what he wants to create—a beautiful vase, carefully crafted to serve a specific purpose. As he works, his hands gently mold and press the clay, guiding it into the desired shape. However, if the clay were to resist or harden, refusing to yield to the potter’s touch, the result would be a distorted, unusable vessel.

In this scenario, the clay must fully submit to the potter’s hands, trusting the skill and vision of the potter, even when the shaping process is uncomfortable or seems uncertain. Only by yielding can the clay become the beautiful creation it was meant to be.

This illustration parallels our relationship with God. We are like the clay in the potter’s hands, and God is the master craftsman shaping our lives according to His perfect will. When we resist or try to shape ourselves according to our own desires, we lose the beauty and purpose that God intended for us. But when we submit to His guidance, trusting in His skill and vision, we are transformed into vessels of honor, fulfilling the purpose He has for our lives.

Jeremiah 18:6 (NASB95)

6 “Can I not, O house of Israel, deal with you as this potter does?” declares the Lord. “Behold, like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel.

2. Warning Against Judging Others (James 4:11-12)

A. Danger of Speaking Against and Judging Fellow Believers

-James warns against speaking ill of or judging others, reminding believers that doing so places them in God’s role.

- Illustration: Imagine a courtroom drama where someone tries to play both the judge and the lawyer. This would no doubt result in chaos. This highlights the absurdity and danger of usurping God’s role as the ultimate judge.

B. Recognizing God as the Ultimate Judge

- Believers are called to recognize that God alone has the authority to judge, and they should focus on their own spiritual walk rather than passing judgment on others.

- In 2019, a major college admissions scandal rocked the United States, involving wealthy parents who tried to manipulate the system to secure spots for their children at prestigious universities. Among those involved were well-known celebrities like Lori Loughlin, famous for her role as Aunt Becky on Full House, and Felicity Huffman, star of Desperate Housewives.

Lori Loughlin and her husband, Mossimo Giannulli, paid $500,000 to have their daughters falsely designated as recruits for the University of Southern California’s (USC) crew team, even though neither had ever participated in the sport. Felicity Huffman, on the other hand, paid $15,000 to have her daughter’s SAT scores fraudulently boosted by having a proctor correct the answers.

These parents, instead of focusing on supporting their children’s genuine efforts and helping them develop their own skills, took matters into their own hands. They tried to "grade" their children's achievements by manipulating the system, ensuring admission to top schools at any cost. This overreach led to significant legal consequences, including prison sentences for both Loughlin and Huffman, along with damage to their reputations and the futures of their children.

This scandal serves as a powerful illustration of the dangers of overstepping our roles and taking on responsibilities that aren’t ours. Just as Loughlin and Huffman tried to control and judge their children’s academic success rather than allowing them to earn it on their own merits, we often fall into the trap of judging others or controlling situations that should be left in God’s hands. When we focus on others' roles instead of our own responsibilities, it can lead to chaos and significant consequences, reminding us to trust God as the ultimate judge and guide in our lives.

3. Boasting About Tomorrow (James 4:13-17)

A. The Uncertainty of Life and the Need to Acknowledge God’s Will

-James cautions against boasting about future plans without considering God’s will, reminding believers of the brevity and uncertainty of life.

B. Living with Humility and Dependence on God

-James encourages believers to live humbly, acknowledging that every day is a gift from God and that His will should guide their plans.

- **Illustration:** Share a story of a farmer who relies on the weather for his crops. No matter how much he plans, he ultimately depends on God’s provision. This shows the need to depend on God for every aspect of life.

Application

- Encouragement to Submit Every Aspect of Life to God. Believers are called to examine their lives and submit their desires, plans, and judgments to God, recognizing His authority in all things.

Practical Ways to Humble Oneself Before the Lord

1. Daily Prayer and Surrender

Begin each day with a prayer of surrender, acknowledging God’s sovereignty and seeking His guidance. This practice sets a humble tone for the day and reminds you of your dependence on Him.

2. Serve Others Selflessly and Embrace Simplicity

Engage in acts of service without seeking recognition and focus on simplifying your life. By serving others selflessly and prioritizing what truly matters, you shift the focus from self to others and align your priorities with God’s will.

3. Seek Accountability and Practice Gratitude

Invite trusted friends or mentors to offer honest feedback and hold you accountable. Regularly express gratitude for both blessings and challenges. Seeking accountability helps you grow spiritually, while gratitude fosters a humble perspective and contentment.

4. Be Baptized!