Introduction

Good morning, church family! Today, we are going to dive into a passage from the book of James that speaks directly to our hearts and our daily struggles.

Before we dive into this passage, I'd like to share a quote from C.S. Lewis that captures the essence of what we will be discussing today. He said, "The more we let God take us over, the more truly ourselves we become - because He made us. He invented us. He invented all the different people that you and I were intended to be...It is when I turn to Christ, when I give up myself to His personality, that I first begin to have a real personality of my own."

Recognize the Source of Conflict

Recognizing the source of conflict in our lives is the first step towards addressing and resolving the issues that hinder our spiritual growth and relationship with God.

One of the primary sources of conflict in our lives is our own sinful nature. As human beings, we are inherently flawed and prone to making mistakes. Our selfish desires, pride, and ego often lead us to act in ways that are contrary to God's will and purpose for our lives. This can result in conflicts with others, as we prioritize our own interests over the well-being of those around us. Additionally, our sinful nature can lead to internal conflicts, as we grapple with feelings of guilt, shame, and unworthiness.

Another source of conflict in our lives is the influence of the world around us. We live in a society that is constantly bombarding us with messages and values that are contrary to the teachings of Christ. The pursuit of wealth, power, and status can lead us to compromise our faith and engage in behaviors that are not in line with God's will.

Furthermore, the world often encourages us to seek validation and approval from others, rather than finding our worth and identity in Christ. This can result in feelings of insecurity and discontentment, as we constantly compare ourselves to others and strive to meet their expectations.

The devil is also a source of conflict in our lives. As the enemy of our souls, Satan is constantly seeking to deceive, tempt, and destroy us. He uses various tactics to create confusion, doubt, and fear in our minds, leading us to question our faith and our relationship with God. The devil also works to sow discord and division within our relationships, causing strife and animosity between friends, family members, and fellow believers.

In order to recognize the source of conflict in our lives, we must be intentional about examining our thoughts, actions, and motivations. We need to be honest with ourselves about the areas in which we are falling short and the ways in which we are allowing the world and the devil to influence our decisions. This requires humility and a willingness to acknowledge our weaknesses and shortcomings.

One practical way to do this is through prayer and reflection. By spending time in God's presence, we can gain insight and understanding into the root causes of our struggles. As we lay our burdens before the Lord, He can reveal to us the areas in which we need to grow and change. This process of self-examination and repentance is essential for our spiritual growth and development.

Another way is by seeking the counsel and wisdom of trusted friends, family members, and spiritual mentors. These individuals can provide valuable perspective and guidance, helping us to identify the areas in which we are struggling and offering support as we work to overcome these challenges. It is important to surround ourselves with godly influences who can encourage us in our faith and hold us accountable to living a life that honors God.

Recognizing the source of conflict in our lives is not only important for our own personal growth, but also for the health and unity of the body of Christ. As believers, we are called to be peacemakers and to strive for unity within our families, churches, and communities. By identifying and addressing the root causes of conflict, we can work towards reconciliation and healing, ultimately strengthening our relationships and our witness for Christ.

It is important to remember that recognizing the source of conflict in our lives is not about placing blame or dwelling on our failures. Rather, it is about acknowledging our need for God's grace and forgiveness and relying on His strength to overcome the challenges we face. As we submit ourselves to God and allow Him to work in and through us, we can experience true transformation and growth, becoming more like Christ in our thoughts, actions, and attitudes.

Submit to God's Authority

Submitting to God's authority involves recognizing that God is the ultimate source of wisdom, power, and love, and that our lives should be guided by His will rather than our own desires ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO