A Contentious Spirit


I have been following the events in Egypt recently. Having visited in the country, I have a real concern for the people.

The events also make me think about the issue of contention and strife.

Contention among people, even those who share much in common, is not all that unusual. The Bible records many such instances. There were Cain and Abel, in the very beginning of the human race, then Ishmael and Isaac, Rachel and Leah – Biblical history is full of contentions, and it continues today. Pastor James asks the question in his epistle, Chapter 4, “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?”

In reading modern literature, you might conclude that the causes of contention and strife are racism, poverty, nationalism and religion. However, these topics are not the cause, but are symptoms of an underlying dysfunction. It is the dysfunction of the individual soul, or “heart” as the Bible calls it. We could say, “the heart of the problem is the heart.” In essence, James tells us that people become contentious and fight because of covetousness. People want something that belongs to another, and if they can’t get it through legitimate means, they will fight for it.

Ever heard the word “hedonism” used? It refers to the satisfying of immediate, pleasurable urges through indulgence. To be hedonistic means also avoidance of considering long-term consequences. The word translated in James 4:1 as “desires” is actually “hedonism” (“hedone”). People engage in covetous pursuits and strife without consideration of the long-term consequences. They make enemies of others who would prefer being friends; they sully themselves by preying on the vulnerable, they ruthlessly attempt to seize what they desire. They even make plans for conquest: the word translated “battle” is “strategize.” Ambushes, artillery barrages, and preemptive strikes are all part of strategizing in war time. In personal attacks and office strife, to strategize usually means undermining, slandering, backstabbing and all other types of attempts to discredit others.

Returning to Egypt: yes, there are grievances. Good jobs are lacking in this non-industrial country, large families are the norm, overcrowded living conditions in Cairo especially, and a long-ruling President who has made no real dent in these pressing problems have generated frustration. But there is no mass starvation, the military offers a secure job for young men and protects the citizenry, and the treaty established with Israel has brought peace and stability to the country. Consequently, there is much for which to be grateful. This is why there exists the conflict between those who support and those who oppose President Mubarak. If a new President is selected, will anything change? My opinion is that it could change for the worse, but not likely for the better.

It should come as no surprise to those who have read James 4 that strife and conflict arise from the fallen nature of man. We all want the perfect world. The perfect world once existed, but sin has ruined it. We need to work at rehabilitating this imperfect world through good works, and be mature enough to understand that only the return of Christ will forever fix the problems we face, making our world perfect again. Pray for the Egyptian people and the witness of the Church in that troubled land.

And while we are praying for others, let us pray about our own covetous attitude.

Avoid a contentious spirit.