Putting Off "Me First" Thinking

In James 4:1 we read: “Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?” The words “desires for pleasure” refer to our self-serving desires. That’s why in James 1:14 we are told: “Each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.”

James warns that such “me first” desires will destroy our friendship with God (James 4:4) and cause divisions, wars, and confrontations (James 4:1-2).

We are told to put off “me first” thinking by (1) submitting ourselves to God (James 4:7); (2) getting our priorities right — God, His will, and His kingdom must always be "first" in our lives (Matthew 7:21; Matthew 6:33); and (3) “draw near to God” (James 4:8).

Lastly, we need to be willing to repent of any sin that we might have and humble ourselves in the sight of the Lord, then He will lift us up (James 4:9-10).

Remember that “me first” living is not the key to living successfully as a Christian — putting God first in our lives is.

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets