Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? (James 4:1, NKJV)
Is your life defined by constant skirmishes with others? If so, there is a war taking place in you. Your desire for personal pleasure and satisfaction fuels these contentions and fights with others (which you deem necessary in order to obtain your self-defined happiness). Hedonism is defined by Merriam-Webster as “the belief that pleasure or happiness is the most important goal in life.” A good life, according to this philosophy, is fulfilling your personal pleasures, desires and sensual delights. Invariably, this leads to selfishness and ill treatment of others, instead of kindness and love. In contrast to the hedonistic pursuit of worldly fulfillment (by which one becomes an enemy of God, James 4:4), Christians “pursue peace with all people, and holiness” (Hebrews 12:14). James previously advised that “the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace” (James 3:17). If you want to achieve peace with others and with God, then do not think and act like fulfilling your ambitions is the true course to happiness. A good dose of humility helps us win the battles in our war against the devil and be at peace with others (James 4:6-7). (Reprint, #920, edited)
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