The Cost of Fighting

The Cost of Fighting

You desire but do not have, so you kill (V.2)

James 4:1-10

Reading

TV reports on the war between Russia and Ukraine sent shock waves through me. The images of burning buildings and displaced people were truly distressing.  The consequences of the war set my mind spinning. Wars always come at a huge cost. Sure, they cost money—but there’s no way to put a value on the number of lives that are changed or ended because of them.

When Christians go to war with one another, the cost is also high. James wrote, “Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?” (JAS. 4:1 NKJV). When we’re busy thinking about ourselves and trying to get our own way, we end up fighting with our friends, family and churches. That in itself is a big cost as our relationships and friendships get damaged. But it’s not the only cost.

When we fight with others, we quickly forget that the world is watching. The non-Christians we know may well be building up a picture of who God is through how we live, act and speak. What will our fighting and arguing show them?

Maybe that’s why James wrote slightly earlier in his letter: “Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness” (3:18). If we want to show Jesus to those we know, we need to stop fighting and offer peace instead.

WHEN CHRISTIANS LIVE IN PEACE, THE WORLD WILL MORE CLEARLY SEE JESUS IN THEM.

Youth Edition – Our Daily Bread Ministries