James 4 v. 4 – 6
‘4 You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
5 Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us?
6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:
“God opposes the proud but shows favour to the humble.”’
NOTES
If yesterday’s reading alerted us to the root causes of conflict with others, today’s highlights the even more serious conflict with God.
James points out that we are unfaithful to God, who is utterly faithful to us.
‘Christians two-time God when we adopt the values and priorities of the world.’
But, God has given up on us – the jealousy wants us back.
And so, He gives us ‘more grace’ – He shows us even more undeserved, lavish kindness.
We, in turn, should ‘humble ourselves’, root out pride, acknowledging, ‘what we are like and what goes on in our hearts’, and to return to Him, our first-love.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus,
examine my heart
scan my soul
and help me see what lies there –
help me to name spiritual unfaithfulness
where it’s perceived,
and give me more grace
that I may be more determined than ever
to root it out
and to return to You –
whole-heartedly.
Help me to love You
over and above everything –
everything the world has to offer.
For the sake of Your kingdom
here and now.
AMEN.