What causes fights and quarrels among you? James 4:1
There are few of us who have not had a share in some conflict that has arisen among us. Churches and communities are alive with external and internal fighting. We have been fortunate to have avoided any bad fights for the last seven years. Praise God!
The verse above is in the context of wise leaders who are peacemakers and not peace destroyers. 3:17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.18 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
Strife is never initiated by wise leaders who are peacemakers. It is not something that is necessary in a local body. It is of the devil and fits with his desire to make people miserable. Strife that is destructive is when men allow the devil to get inside. It is internal “among you”.
Human nature is in the grip of an internal invasion. Satan’s army of occupation is on the prowl eagerly ready to devour. Satan’s natural aim is to cause as much confusion and conflict as possible. His diabolical mind knows that one way to discourage the work of the Lord is to get disciples discouraged.
God’s Spirit is in control in the Christian’s life. The evil desires of Satan cannot be allowed to invade and make a home base. Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you (4:7).