James addresses our tendency to be controlled by bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in two specific areas of life: our plans and our possessions.

OUR PLANS

James offers a correction to pride-filled boasting:


1. With humility, acknowledge and embrace our frailty


2. Acknowledge and embrace a daily dependence on God

OUR POSSESSIONS

Two things happen when we perpetually fixate on what we want:

1. We arrogantly believe that we deserve what we want.


2. We become blind to the needs of others.


In light of this:

1. Pray for eyes to see and respond to the injustice all around you.

2. Give generously and creatively to those around you.


3. Receive God’s grace - his gift of undeserved kindness and forgiveness that we don’t deserve.