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NASB | James 4:3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | James 4:3 You ask [God for something] and do not receive it, because you ask with wrong motives [out of selfishness or with an unrighteous agenda], so that [when you get what you want] you may spend it on your [hedonistic] desires. |
Subject: Is coveting with a pure heart Godly? |
Bible Note: Greetings Steve! I agree, to desire something is not the same thing as coveting something, but one can lead to another.. The "sub-question" by our fellow Forum member, Discipled, on Thu 01/10/02 12:33pm did mention the word "covet", and my response was geared towards the word "covet" and not towards having a desire for blessings in general. However, I believe that we should not do the Lord's work merely out of a desire to receive His blessings, but because we love Him! Of course, the Bible does say that we will all receive blessings if we are faithful and do His work (James 1:16-17; Luke 6:22-23; Heb. 6:10; James 1:12; 2 John 8; Rev. 22:12). Even with that said, I believe that we should not do His work solely out of these promises that we will be rewarded, but out of love for Him! Would we still be so avid to do the Lord's work if we were not given these promises of blessings? I would! :-) The spiritual walk of a Christian is not a "what can I get out of it" proposition, but it is a "what can I do in service for my Lord?" proposition, and in truth and sincerity, that should be our focus (our Lord, and not what we will receive). Blessings to you, Nolan |