Devotional - March 15, 2023
James 4: 4-6 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. Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us? But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says “God opposes the proud, but shows favor to the humble.”
As we continue to read through the book (letter) of James. Allow it to speak to you while staying mindful of it's original context. James was writing to a church he helped to establish in Jerusalem. Within the church, they have a Jewish contingent as well as others. James, himself, had the benefit of being one of Jesus' brothers, but was not one of the twelve disciples. That being said, it is obvious James was intimately aware of the faith Jesus taught. From the letter we are reading, we can discern the major issues facing the church. So far, most have originated from within the community of the church. James was quick to point out that many of the problems came from folks who had problems. He is also quick to point out that the responsibility of resolving those problems was that of the individual (Matt 7: 3-5) and the people involved (Matt 18:15-17, Gal 6:1-3). Today, he shifts his focus elsewhere. He talks about the church's relationship with the world. Referencing "adultery" harkens back to the Old Testament reference to Israel's "adultery" with the world they lived in, specifically other cultures and religious traditions. The Bible, both Old and New Testaments, is full of references comparing our relationship to God being likened to a marriage. To participate in behaviors outside the terms of the Kingdom of God is adulterous behavior. The former Jews in the Jerusalem church would have been well aware of what James was referring to when he charged the people with adultery. When pondering this, keep in mind how James developed his thoughts. He talked about how much God values our souls, pride, and God's grace. The life that dwells within us, the person we are, is precious to God. Well worth the sacrifice God made for us. To push that aside or ignore God for some man made "religion" or philosophy was and is a serious infraction of God's will. God does not share us with the world. The world is God's (Ps 24:1). When folks do such things, it is likened to committing adultery against God. But, God understands our actions and struggles. Sanctification is a process. In the Psalm James referenced at the end of today's text (Ps 3:34), he clarifies there is a difference between the person who is honestly working on their relationship with God and others. Specifically, those whose pride allows them to do as they please and still claim their covenant with God. But some go overboard in shutting themselves off from the world. Eating at McDonalds does not mean you worship clowns. McDonalds may not be a church affiliated restaurant, but eating there is not an affront to God. Instead, supporting the Ronald McDonald house would be a way of supporting God's will. So, let's pick Burger King. Yes, you can have it your way, and not violate your covenant with God even though Burger King is purely a secular institution. But, if you attend a religious event that is not Christian and pay homage to their gods and way of life, then you are violating your relationship with God. In the Jerusalem church, there were people who were still active in other religions and worldly living. When reading today's text, it is tempting to view the text as a condemnation. A harsh rebuke because of how it begins. But, in actuality, it is not. It is an invitation to receive the grace of God. To receive the grace given by a God who deeply cares about his people.
Pray with me..., Holy God we are tempted to go other ways. To befriend the word, even though we know where it leads. Thank You for Your redeeming grace. Hear us as we pray for our church and our loved one. We ask Your blessings on both. Be with us, so we can be the people You call us to be, in Jesus name, Amen.
God's peace,
Pastor Brian
