Last week, chapter three took the idea of faith with action (chapter two) and brought to light one of the most common struggles we have in our daily lives: Taming the tongue, the power of our words. As we learned last week, our words matter. As we dive into chapter four this week, James pushes us to look at the source of our words and what so often leads to quarrels and battles relationally. Ultimately, James is going to force us to take a hard look at our hearts and the selfish/prideful desires that lie deep within. If we claim to be followers of Jesus, then our words and faith must match. In order for this to happen, we must surrender our hearts and our selfishness to Christ. Jesus tells us in Mark 6:45, “The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” The words we use, the way we talk to others, the way we engage in arguments, the way we talk about others, not only show the words which we are using, but more importantly, reveals our hearts on the matter and the pride and selfishness that lie within them. This of course carries over into how we live our lives out among others. It is not our place to judge, or slander, or to brag and boast, or to think for a moment that we are in control, but rather to submit our hearts to the Lord, since after all, “we are but a mist...a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes”. Chapter three and four together should be a wake up call to us all regarding the words we are using, how we speak to and about others, and how highly we think of ourselves and our plans. Even more so, it should cause us to regularly check the spiritual status and condition of our hearts, knowing that even in our failings, selfishness, and pride, God gives more grace. Because of this, we must step back and ask, “Lord where is my heart at this moment? Lord, please give me the grace I need at this moment. Help me to surrender my words, my thoughts, my actions, my pride, my selfishness, and most importantly my heart, in submission to you.”