James 4:4-10
You’re cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and his way. And do you suppose God doesn’t care? The proverb has it that “he’s a fiercely jealous lover.” And what he gives in love is far better than anything else you’ll find. It’s common knowledge that “God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble.”
So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him make himself scarce. Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I just watched a news report about Amazon’s move to replace plastic packing “bubbles” with recyclable paper. There are several reasons for this…the “bubbles” are difficult to recycle and must be popped…the paper is actually softer and wraps and cushions the products better…and of course, paper is readily recyclable and more environmentally friendly than plastic. I have no illusions about this retail giant…I am sure there is an economical component to this move, as well. Still, this represents a giant shift in attitude that will hopefully result in a positive impact – on many fronts.
I share this story to say that change can be a good thing – even when it’s hard to enact. When it comes to our relationship with God – and flirting with the world and it’s wiles and ways – we often have an arsenal of excuses at the ready. We frequently start with these…“It’s too hard”…“Everybody’s doing it”…or “I’ll do it later after I’ve had some fun.” We assume that God will be sitting in the corner twiddling His thumbs waiting for us to decide to come to Him, as if you and I are “all that and a bag of chips.”
Yes, we are precious to God. Yes, God is jealous and wants us to love and serve Him over the devil and all the world offers. Yes, God is also patient and forgiving. But why would we want to miss out on even a minute of His goodness? The real abundance and blessings are showered on those who humbly serve God. You probably know someone who has said of another, “I would do so much more for him if only he would treat me with respect,” or “I would be willing to help with XYZ if those involved were committed to God’s commands rather than peer pressure.” Do you honestly believe God is going to pour out His very best on someone who operates in hatred, divisiveness, deceit, and selfishness?
Sometimes, you and I are like the plastic packing “bubbles.” We somewhat “get the job done,” as we go through the motions of our lives. But things get broken…we aren’t as “environmentally or spiritually sound” as we think we are – or as God wants us to be. We don’t quite represent the commands of Jesus Christ to love others as He loves us, and God is not glorified by our words and actions. But we can change. James tells us how to do this in these verses. He reminds us that it may require a “breakup” with the Devil…and some heartfelt, gut-wrenching repentance on our part. But we can do it! And God will be waiting for us with open arms and a myriad of ways to help us make a fresh start!
My favorite part of this passage is in verses seven and eight…“Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you.” (KJV) I’ve told you before that we taught our kids at a young age that when they even whisper the name of Jesus, the Devil shrinks away. You and I may have to add some time on our knees in tearful repentance to the whispers…but God will draw near and help set us upright! Let’s ask God to show us where and how we need to change, then make this the day we get started. It’s time to say “yes” to God…and let Him change us once and for all. Alleluia!
©2024 Debbie Robus
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