Day 9: James 4:1-12
Get Serious!
Now for a disclaimer. . . This is written in love, but wow does it pack a punch!! So, if you’re ready and strapped in I will continue!
Verses 2-3
You wouldn’t think of just asking God for it, would you? And why not? Because you know you’d be asking for what you have no right to. You’re spoiled children, each wanting your own way.
Have you ever been at the receiving end of a full on Toddler tantrum after not giving in to their need for a lolly at 10pm, or that that it’s not acceptable to swing off a open window. We get the melt downs, slammed doors and all! We really want to scream ‘snap yourself out of it!
Now how many times have we done this with God when we don’t get what we want! How much Grace does God have to let us get on with this, when all God wants is for us to seek him in our lives!
Verse 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.
How challenging is just the first sentence. Why don’t you take a moment to really see the impact of what is being said there! Now the amazing thing is we are saved by GRACE! Which is beyond all of our understanding. We need to look at this with God’s eyes and not what the world is telling us to do to fit in! As a teenager I repeated to myself Romans 12:2 – 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. This helped me see a higher calling and try to not fall into the trap of the ‘world’.
Verse 8
Come near to God and he will come near to you.
This verse really jumps out at me, How amazing that God wants to come near to us! Despite all the above! But we have to make the first move! Can your start an ongoing conversation with him? Not just a shopping list style prayer! But really converse with him! Tell him your desires, your dream, your worries… nothing is off limits! Just draw close to him! John 3:30 ‘he must become greater, I must become less’
Verse 11
Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister[d] or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. 12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbour
I love this part it’s a perfect reminder to Just love one and other – who are we to judge anyone! So leave all that behind and love as God has loved us.
My prayer is you really dwell on areas that you can give to God, that you dig deeper into him and love others as he loves you!
Michelle Hodgson
Academy Student