In a previous lesson, I quoted C.S. Lewis' analogy of the "rats in the cellar" that scurry to their hiding places when you turn on a light in the basement. Lewis observed that it is not the suddenness of the light that creates the rats. The rats are already there. The shock of the light just brings you to an awareness that they are present. Similarly, it is not a sudden shock that causes you to react in an ill-tempered way. Your ill temper was already there; the suddenness of the shock just made you aware of it.

After a few weeks of grouchiness and ill-tempered reactions to my family, I finally decided I couldn't stand it anymore. Something simply must be done. Oh, I could blame it on holiday cabin fever with 8 people under one roof for two weeks or PMS or whatever, but the bottom line is there are rats in my cellar and the cabin fever and the hormones only turned the lights on them. In an effort to exterminate the rats, I turned to the Lord in prayer and to the scriptures. I was led to the book of James.

James starts off by admonishing us to "count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations" (James 1:2). So I'm supposed to be joyful that I lose my temper and yell at my kids and feel like I'm ready for the loony bin? How's that? He continues, "Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."

Our times of temptation lead us to a humble state where we will develop more faith. An increase in faith leads to more patience, which gets rid of a few more rats in our cellar.

But how is this done? James suggests, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not: and it shall be given him, but let him ask in faith, nothing wavering." (James 1:5-6)

I decided that I lacked wisdom. I had no clue how to exterminate those rats in my cellar. After a long day of whiny, clingy children, dirty diapers, two cats that can't seem to find the litter box, and teenagers who think they know everything, I had no idea how to control my temper, much less find the "joy" hidden within my temptation.

So I began praying for help. In C.S. Lewis' analogy, he makes it clear that it is not we who exterminate our rats. Only God can. So I am under no delusions that this problem will be solved by my mustering enough will power to "be nice." While studying Ephesians 6:11-18, I found another piece to the puzzle. Paul advises us to "put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." Now that is what I need -- to stand against the whiles of the devil and not lose my temper. "For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."

Satan has his full armies out there ready to attack us and the only way to stand against him is to put on this full armor of God. This armor includes:

• Truth girt about your loins
• The breastplate of righteousness on your chest
• The gospel of peace on your feet
• The shield of faith in your hand so you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked
• The helmet of salvation on your head
• The sword of the Spirit (which is the word of God) in your other hand.
• And then top it off with praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit and watching with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.

James of course, speaks a lot about our faith leading us to good works -- in other words our faith helps us be obedient and not succumb to Satan's fiery darts. But what struck me most in this Ephesians passage was "the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God." This reminded me of Hebrews 4:12: "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

James had definitely put a two edge sword to my soul and revealed the thoughts and intents of my heart -- especially with James 1:26, "If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain." Ouch!

Through prayerful pondering of these passages, I determined to study the book of James every day for 21 days. They say it takes 21 days to make a habit. The book is only about six pages and can easily be read every day. Perhaps the sword of James will slash through the rats in my cellar and increase my faith to be able to quench the fiery darts of the adversary. Combining reading James with prayer and supplication for help from the Lord seems like a perfect solution.

I'm about a week into James and can already tell a difference. I'm by no means perfect, but I do seem to have a greater strength to endure patiently and hold my tongue. I also feel peaceful instead of irritated and annoyed. God's grace can make us more than we are when we humble ourselves and seek His help. "Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up." (James 4:10)

If you have trouble holding your tongue or struggle with a critical heart or a lack of faith, join with me this month in a prayerful study of James. Let's see what God can do in our lives!

Marnie Pehrson, a mother of 6, has been highlighting truth and talent for 15 years. Whether it's writing a novel that spotlights individuals who've made a difference in the world or helping a talented entrepreneur create a platform for his life's work, Marnie underscores truth and talent in innovative and compelling ways. She is the creator of www.IdeaMarketers.com and helps experts promote their products and services online. For more information on her various projects and books, visit http://www.pwgroup.com. Contact the author, Marnie Pehrson , at webmaster@shelovesgod.com
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