Understanding and dealing with Conflict

Read James 4.

In contrast to the peaceful words of wisdom at the end of chapter 3, the Apostle James turned to explain the causes and effects of "bitter jealousy and selfish ambition" (3:14).

1. The source of conflicts. (vv.1-6)
With people.
Sensual pleasures and personal desires to obtain more for oneself will produce rivalry, the wrong sort of competition, and arguments with others.  Such inner feelings are based on the sin of covetousness.  It is a jealous longing and frustration regarding something unfulfilled.  The world's definition of success is achievement of a personal want at any price.

With God.
This was written to followers of Jesus.  So, James touches on another common inner frustration, that of unanswered prayer.  How often has a Christian prayed and if their prayer was not answered when and how they wanted, they decided to take matters into their own hands?  They gave in to sin or gave up on God.  The problem was not with the Lord.  The conflict was the selfish reasons for prayer as opposed to God's glory.  A broken fellowship with the Lord places the believer in a losing position.  Instead, God is eager ("yearns", v.5) to administer His all sufficient grace to every situation, not our selfish desires.

So, how are we to face and maintain right relationships with God and with people?  How do we get to enjoy more of the sustaining favor of God?  "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble."  God hates pride, arrogance, and hubris.  So, what are we to do?

2. The solutions to conflicts. (vv.7-12)  
Submit yourself to God.
Bowing one's will to trust the Sovereign will of the Lord to take care of us is step one.  Without doing this first, nothing else will matter.

Resist the devil.
Satan's schemes are always in conflict with God.  Recognize the spiritual war that is at work.

Draw near to God.
Intentionally increase time invested in reading the Scriptures and prayer.

Cleanse your hands.
Has the Holy Spirit revealed areas that need repentance?  Grieve over the sin.  Confess it and receive His cleansing (1 John 1:9)

Do not speak evil against others.
Words of slander and condemnation of other people is forbidden.  Of course, we may observe wrongdoing in others and many are in positions of authority to take necessary actions.  But, this exhortation has to do with how we speak about others.  Without authority, we need to let God be the ultimate Judge.

But what about me and my genuine needs?  Jesus said, "...your heavenly Father knows..." (Matthew 6:32)  "Humble yourselves before the Lord and he will exalt you." (v.10)