Consume

James 4:3 has opened my eyes a little wider. My world is a little more sharp... more detailed. Due to enduring the sexual harassment complaint my wife filed, I have no patience for dishonesty and lies. I especially have zero tolerance when I lie to myself about myself.

James 4:3 is the secret to prospering under God’s authority. My opinion is that all unanswered prayers (and thus life's pursuits) are rooted in sin... pride and pleasure are two of the biggest sins we cloak as God’s Will. We cloak such pursuits to protect ourselves, to convince ourselves that what we do IS FOR GOD and IS TO GLORIFY GOD when what we do is pursue personal ambition and individual glory.

One truth I know about God… God will not reward His followers for sinful behavior. God will not reward and bless people for taking the wrong path. God will not reward deeds done out of selfish ambition, especially selfish ambition cloaked in His name.

James 4:3 says we don't receive (answered prayers) because we want to consume what we get upon out lust... waste God's blessings only on what brings us pleasure.  Pleasure fades, pleasure is temporary, pleasure doesn't stick around. James 4:3 refers to our need to consume... consume to fill the emptiness... leaving nothing behind of value.

Pleasure takes many forms. It's difficult to know if a pursuit is rooted in selfish ambition and pride for the sole purpose of pleasure. It was difficult, at least for me.