Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? (James 3:11)
Expanded Passage: James 3:1-12
No phrase more perfectly sums up the notion that one cannot have it both ways than “You can’t have your cake and eat it too.” This phrase has been used for centuries. The earliest recorded use was in 1538 in a letter from the Duke of Norfolk to Thomas Cromwell. The duke was in a situation, following a dreadful plague, where he needed to let go of highly valued assets he had not intended to release. While the phrase often has stark connotations, it pointedly speaks of the realities of life.
The spring in the passage above is a good metaphor for the heart. A heart that is full of corruption cannot produce what is good, and vice versa. The contradiction for many is that we are unwilling to do the necessary work or unaware of what is really brewing in our hearts, so we turn a blind eye to the actions that we are not proud of. Yet, everything we do comes from our inner desires. If we open our hearts to Christ, he will conform our desires to the will of the Father. Then we will produce only that which is good.
Even so, being prepared to get rid of what we had meant to keep may be what is required in order to be right with God. Being in right standing with God is the goal.
With the help of the Holy Spirit, evaluate your desires.
Olivia Isra’el is a wife and mother, and a psychological practitioner. Her love for writing has led her to convey the love of God through text.
© 2024 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
