Get Serious
Get Serious: James 4:1–12 (MSG)
– Today’s Community Scripture – February 3, 2026
Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves. You lust for what you don’t have and are willing to kill to get it. You want what isn’t yours and will risk violence to get your hands on it.
2–3 You wouldn’t think of just asking God for it, would you? And why not? Because you know you’d be asking for what you have no right to. You’re spoiled children, each wanting your own way.
4–6 You’re cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and his way. And do you suppose God doesn’t care? The proverb has it that “he’s a fiercely jealous lover.” And what he gives in love is far better than anything else you’ll find. It’s common knowledge that “God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble.”
7–10 So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet.
11–12 Don’t bad-mouth each other, friends. It’s God’s Word, his Message, his Royal Rule, that takes a beating in that kind of talk. You’re supposed to be honoring the Message, not writing graffiti all over it. God is in charge of deciding human destiny. Who do you think you are to meddle in the destiny of others?
James 4-12 (MSG)
– Reflection:
Wow, this passage makes you think about the right now. The television shows that display almost everyone wanting it their way and changing the way the world was actually built, “To help others, and pick them up when they’re down”. Now, most everyone, even in reality, wants what they want, and everyone else gets in line behind them. Reading it makes you think of the conversation that seems to be saying Jesus is telling us to slow down and look honestly at our hearts. It says that many of our fights, stress, and broken relationships come from wanting our own way too much and not trusting God enough. Instead of asking God for help, we often try to grab what we want on our own, even when it hurts others. God isn’t impressed by pride or showing off. He gives His help to people who are humble and willing to change. James is calling us to stop playing games with right and wrong, take responsibility for our actions, and truly turn back to God. When we stop judging and tearing others down and let God be the judge, we find real strength, peace, and a fresh start.
James also warns us against trying to live two lives at once, one with God and another focused only on ourselves. God wants our hearts, not part-time attention. When we chase pride, pleasure, or approval, we slowly drift away from Him. But God is not pushing us away; He is calling us back. He gives grace, real help, and strength to people who are willing to admit they need Him and stop pretending they have it all together.
– Where Do We Go From Here?
We move forward by living out the very message we are inviting others to follow. It starts with humility, recognizing our need for Jesus and allowing Him to reshape us daily. From there, we walk alongside others with patience and love, not as judges but as witnesses to God’s grace. We listen more than we speak. We love before we correct. We point people to Jesus by how we live, how we forgive, and how we serve. The path into the Kingdom of God is not forced or rushed; it is clearly shown through truth, repentance, hope, and love. As we stay close to Christ and allow His life to shape ours, He uses us to gently guide others into His way of peace, healing, and new life.
– Our Prayer for Today
Father, today we come to You honestly, just as we are. We admit that we too often want our own way, which leads to frustration, conflict, and pride. Forgive us for trying to control things instead of trusting You. Search our hearts and remove what does not belong there. Teach us to be humble, to listen, and to obey. Help us say no to sin and yes to Your will. Draw us closer to You and shape us into people who reflect Your love, grace, and truth. Jesus, lead us in Your way today. Help our lives point others toward Your Kingdom not by judgment or force, but by love, patience, and faithfulness. Lift us up as we kneel before You, and use us for Your glory. Amen.
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