Or do you think the Scripture says without reason that the spirit he caused to live in us envies intensely? (James 4:5)

The traditional view of this verse it that James is talking about our soul here, the “spirit” God put within us at creation.  He’s basically confirming that we are jealous at heart, constantly dissatisfied and longing for what we do not have.  That certainly fits the context, and it’s what the translators think is the original intent.

But…I dunno…

Another reading of this verse capitalizes the word “Spirit” and renders “envies intensely” as “longs jealously.”  In this view, James is talking about the Holy Spirit, whom the Father has caused to live in every believer.  He is reminding us that our God gets really possessive when it comes to his relationship with us.

As a young teenager, I knew an adult married couple who boasted of their “Open relationship.”  It was the first time I had ever heard of that concept.  I wasn’t a Christian yet, but the idea that two people would pledge to remain faithful to each other except when they didn’t feel like it made me truly uncomfortable. Granted, both spouses were woefully unattractive, so I figured the whole point was moot, but still…

Beloved, the Lord Jesus Christ does not do open relationships.

So, yes, I took the alternate translation here, recklessly casting aside the advice of the experts in order to follow my own feelings on the nature of God.  I promise I’m not trying to start a cult.  If perchance you see me in the street today, please do not scream “Heretic” and throw fruit and shoes at me. Though if you do, the event will find its way into a blog post, make no mistake.

Happy Thursday, Beloved.