“What’s the controlling narrative?”
By Rev. Michael Stonhouse
Meditation – Sunday, September 22, 2024
James 3:13 – 4:3,7-8a (Forward, p. 55) CEV p. 1274
Many have characterized this present generation as ‘the Me Generation’, people who now look after ‘Number One’—meaning themselves--rather than anyone else. But in reading today’s passage from James this doesn’t seem like something new. It sounds like an issue or problem that has persisted literally for years.
Our author begins by speaking about wisdom and asking us where it comes from. Does the wisdom we rely upon to direct and control our lives come from above, or does it come from somewhere else?
Now, the question might well be asked, “How do we know which is which, which is from above, and which is not?” James tells us that we can assess wisdom, judge it, by its impacts, its effects, upon our lives.
Wisdom from above, he tells us, is pure, peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy—and evidencing itself in creating peace around itself.
However, the wisdom that comes from this world is selfish and unspiritual and is rooted in none other than the devil. It is characterized by bitter envy, selfish ambition, arrogance, and all sorts of disorder, wickedness, conflicts and disputes. Its roots are in selfishness, in wanting what one doesn’t presently have, in wanting still more, and then fighting and striving to get it. And, James suggests, even our prayers will come to naught, simply because we are asking with selfish motives.
However, James doesn’t end there. His assumption is that he is speaking to his fellow Christians, and so, in essence, he tells them to ‘shape up’, to change what is the controlling narrative of their lives. He tells them to surrender their lives to the Lord and to resist the devil (and his impulses). He admonishes them to clean up their lives, purify their hearts and desires and become steadfast and unwavering in their devotion and allegiance to Christ. Obviously, he believes that such a change is not only desirable, but quite possible, albeit with God’s help. Thanks be to God.
Forward notes: “Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom” (verse 13b).
“For many years, I worked in television. At its best, the industry is creative, fun, and collaborative. I enjoy working in teams, exchanging ideas, and seeing visions brought to life on a screen. At its worst, Hollywood can be cut-throat and stress-inducing, with every person focused on their own success. The exchange of ideas becomes a fount for criticism, working in teams brings conflict, and long days and nights on set can be grueling.
“In an industry motivated by the bottom line, I’m still figuring out how to remain generous and impartial and be ambitious without being aggressive. My way of navigating the inner motivations of my heart is through careful and intentional prayer. The more ambitious I become, the more pressing my need to reflect and examine my heart. As I make space to draw near to God, I trust God to lead me away from the trappings of ambition and chasing after what others have. I can’t win a war within myself by myself. I always need God’s help.”
Moving Forward: “Pray for God’s help in navigating a difficult situation.”