² For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is mature, able also to control the whole body. (James 3:2 CSB)

It is so very common for us to stumble in our faith life. Not that it is a good thing. It is simply something that we must continually work on and face within the reality of who we are. And who we are is fallen humans.

But God understands this and desires that we not stumble, but that we mature and learn to control ourselves. Thus, he provides ways for us to live a successful and good faith life. We must desire and work toward this maturity.

The key element to this is working on controlling ourselves.

Our stumbling can, and typically is, a byproduct of our desires for personal fulfillment or personal pleasure. Human nature is to put ourselves first. To seek first our pleasure, not seek first the Kingdom of God.

We have to shift our thinking, and I believe, the best way to do this is to consider the Spirit. When we live life with the knowledge that the Spirit is living within us, not just metaphorically but actually, we then can begin to see this for what it truly is. It is not enough to just think that God sees all, but that the Spirit experiences all through living within us. He is there for every angry outburst, every lustful desire, every nasty word spoken. This should be a truly sobering thought.

Thus, when we stumble, let it not be out of seeking our own pleasure. Let us mature in a way that curbs the human and elevates the Spirit.