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Answer
The book of James provides practical guidance on how Christians should conduct their lives. James addressed believers who were facing various behavioral issues. One particular concern he discusses at the start of chapter 4 relates to their desires for material possessions.
James 4:1–3 states: “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.”
This passage highlights the following inappropriate behaviors and mindsets:
1. The individuals had strong desires that led to conflicts and disputes among them. It appears that their inability to fulfill their wants caused tension and disagreements.
2. The frustration of not obtaining their desires had driven some to extreme actions like “killing.” This could imply actual physical harm or engaging in thoughts and behaviors that Jesus equated with murder (Matthew 5:22;cf: 1 John 3:15).
3. Despite coveting, they were unsuccessful in attaining their wishes, leading to ongoing conflicts.
4. They either neglected to pray or prayed with selfish intentions.
Regrettably, the group James addresses mirrors many contemporary individuals. Some Christians today pursue their personal agendas relentlessly, seeking their desires through any means necessary. When faced with obstacles, they often resort to unethical actions to achieve their goals.
Shouting out at each other.
James suggests there is a superior approach. Instead of desiring, arguing, bickering, and even harming one another, Christians should simply petition God for their desires. One explanation for not obtaining what they desire is failing to ask.
There is a discussion in theological circles regarding whether God genuinely “changes His mind” in response to our prayers. Some argue that God never alters His mind, always carrying out His original plans. Others take the opposing view, stating that God is unable or unwilling to act unless we request it. James 4 does not delve into these broader issues. It merely emphasizes that if there is something desired, it should be requested from God, rather than resorting to unrighteous methods. It is logical that certain things will only be received through asking, but if requested, they will be granted. Therefore, if there is a desire, it should be asked for. Christians ought to pray.
Naturally, James’ declaration that “you do not have because you do not ask” does not ensure receiving everything requested. A father might instruct his child not to take anything from the tool shed but to ask if he wants something. However, if the 10-year-old requests a chainsaw, the father, for safety reasons, may refuse. Similarly, when requesting something from God, He retains the right to act in our best interest.
James 4:3 raises another scenario where God might not fulfill our petitions: “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” Therefore, while it is preferable to seek things from God rather than conniving, fighting, or acquiring them at the expense of others, some requests may still be inherently self-centered, and these will be denied by God. Ultimately, when desiring something, it is essential to ask God and allow Him to determine what is best for you.
There are instances when God may refuse due to improper motives, and there may be occasions
It is believed that God answers our prayers with a “yes” because He desires us to receive what we request. However, His affirmation does not imply that our desires will magically materialize from heaven. The manner in which He responds to our supplications remains at His discretion. Receiving our requested items may involve God granting us the means to acquire them through our efforts, such as saving money. His response to our entreaties does not negate the role of secondary agents. Prayer signifies our acknowledgment that we are relinquishing our pursuit of personal desires and instead entrusting God to determine both the nature and method of our acquisitions. Recognizing God’s intentions for us surpasses any aspirations we may conceive independently, leading us to pray with assurance and faith.
If there is something you desire, you must seek it through prayer to God. Often, “you have not because you ask not.” While there is no assurance of receiving what you seek, prayer presents the optimal opportunity and aligns you with God’s intentions. By aligning your will with His, you will find contentment in His provisions, regardless of whether they align precisely with your initial requests.
