01 November 2005 Devotion for Today “Confusion” James 3:16-18
Did you wake up to confusion this morning? Many people experience it when something which they did not expect implodes upon their peaceful and tranquil existence- such as the alarm clock not ringing at the appointed time. The realization that one has woken up late with little time for the morning routine also creates anger at oneself, which is commonly displaced upon family members who themselves are trying to regain equilibrium and get to the bus before anyone notices that they are half-dressed. It creates a situation which conspires against the outcome of the entire day. Doors are slammed, toes are stubbed, and elbows jab into walls and doorframes in the hurried attempts to get past them, and the family dog runs scurrying beneath the kitchen table to remove herself from the stress.
Confusion is defined as the state of disorder that exists when the normative rules are ignored or inappropriately applied. Confusion brings about chaos and disorganization.
It also creates a situation whereby those who recognize the confusion seek to restore order- often creating more confusion because the parties which seek to restore order yield to no one but themselves. In any human organization or institution, confusion- also called dysfunction- is apt to occur. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God and ate of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, their new sin nature-ultimately by Satan- created something that God did not create.
James tells us that this confusion also exists “For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, the peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” James 3:16-18
We may not intentionally create confusion. But James says that whenever we envy someone or seek to be in competition with someone or to press our own agenda, we will by consequence work our way to confusion or it will soon find us. An atmosphere of tension develops and with that tension mistrust and misunderstanding, and conflict soon follow. That is what James means when he says that “Every evil thing is there.” But those who have a peaceable nature from the Prince of Peace are at ease and have a way of being able to pour oil on troubled waters. They bring glory to God as the tension subsides and the misunderstanding gives way to understanding and graciousness.
Ask yourself today, are you part of the peace that brings about peaceableness, or are you part of the other situation?
Have a blessed day!
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