James 4:4-6

Passage

Adulterous people!  Have you not known that the affection of the world is enmity of God?  Therefore, whoever should desire to be an object of the affection of the world is being made an enemy of God!  Or do you presume that the scriptures speak in vain?  Out of jealousy the Spirit longs for that which dwelt in you!  But He gives great grace.  Therefore, it says, “God opposes the haughty but He gives grave to those in low status.”

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

The affection of the world is enmity of God.  I can’t help but think of social media at this moment.  What is the point of social media if not to give people the illusion that their pictures, thoughts, and activities are deserving of the affections of the world?  I can’t help but wonder if every time we post a picture, thought or activity for the purpose of getting “likes” if we are not drawing the enmity of God!  But this actually makes sense.  James has been weaving the concept of self-centeredness throughout this whole letter.  The more self-centered we are – the more we desire the affection of the world by drawing the attention of the world to ourselves – the less we draw close to God in submission.

Do you strive for the affection of the world?  In what ways?  Where is your life about you, your achievements, and your glory?  Do you strive for the affection of God?  In what ways?  Where is your life about God, God’s achievements, and God’s glory? 

Second Thought:

Out of jealousy God desires that which dwelt in you.  Even as I chase after the things of the world, God jealously desires that I would chase after Him.  This is an important understanding.  When I chase after the world, God would have every right to turn away and let me go.  But God does not.  God jealously desires for me to be chasing after Him even as I turn and reject Him.  He is an incredibly forgiving God!

Why is it important to remember His jealousy in the midst of our rebellion?  What should be the fruit of His jealousy?  What is the hopeful goal of His jealousy for us?

Third Thought:

James is once more building to the topic of submission as we shall see tomorrow.  He ends with a powerful reminder about God’s hand.  He opposes the haughty.  He gives grace to those in low status.  In other words, if we think more highly of ourselves than we ought, we are asking God to oppose us.  That’s pretty profound for the Christian.  What Christian among us would readily invite God’s opposition?  Yet how many among us think more highly of ourselves than we ought?  There is a disconnect of thought in modern Christians in the western world indeed!

In what areas do you think more highly of yourself than you should?  In what areas of your life do you encounter the most opposition?  Are there any connections there?  Do you have any areas where you are particularly humble and submitted to God?  How much opposition do you receive in those areas?

Passage for Tomorrow: James 4:7-10