Begin with two minutes of silence and stillness before God.
I have come to the conclusion that I don’t even really like James. He is meddlesome. I have never even met him, and he had the nerve to write an entire book about me. I have an old Bible, and occasionally I will run into a page or two missing. James 4 is one of those pages. I would like to think it just fell out, but, like my friend Chris Canoy, I probably just tore it out one day when it felt like the thing to do. Enough of that; come join me in the woodshed.
At the start of Chapter 4, James reminds us to check our motives when praying. To make sure we are not just praying to increase our chances at things that please us. He reminds us that these “pleasures” are worldly, and that the world is not only unfriendly to God but hostile. Strong word: hostile. We see it a lot in scripture. The definition paints the picture of an enemy that is openly opposed and does everything to resist. Sound like someone you know? The evil one that rules this world? I was struggling one time, feeling like my prayers were not being answered. I did a study on things that could hinder my prayer. This was one of the hindrances I found. I had to make my way to the realization that God knows exactly what I need. He is an awesome giver of good things. I just thank Him each day that every good thing in my life is a gift from Him and know that He is not gift-impaired. And His gifts never arrive late, always fit, are much better than the competitor’s product, certainly last longer, and leave no stain.
James then gives us some advice that sounds so simple. In verse 7, he says, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you”. Wow, that sounds way too easy. Just say “No,” and he will run off. In the words of my favorite Game Day guy, Lee Corso, “Not so fast, my friend”. If you notice, the first part of the verse says, “Submit therefore to God.” Therein lies the solution. Don’t ever think you are going to white-knuckle yourself out of sin. Neither you nor I are that good. Satan preys on lone sheep. Satan and his evil cronies flee at the name of Jesus. Revelation 12:11 says, “We overcome him by the Blood of the Lamb (already done) and the word of our testimony”. So just remind Satan that wherever he is trying to take you, you don’t live there anymore. New creation, new address. Quote a few verses to him; he will recognize whose you are, and the scripture says “Flee”. I like that word.
James takes a couple more jabs at me but ends with verse 17. I personally think 16 verses was more than enough; nice even number. But no, he must add, “the one who knows the right thing to do, and does not do it, it is sin”. That is not fair. I have a hard enough time just trying not to do the bad stuff. I believe this is where the Holy Spirit really shines. The Holy Spirit is constantly speaking to us about the needs of those around us. Spiritual needs, physical needs, a nice word, some encouragement, Godly direction, help. This is not my strongest suit. God is patiently working on it. So glad we serve a patient God.
Take two minutes to reflect in silence.