You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you think that the Scripture says to no purpose, “He jealously desires the Spirit whom He has made to dwell in us”? But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:4-6

Where do you most often seek purpose and significance? Where do you seek peace after a hard moment? Even though we may say the way of Jesus is what we need, and broadly trust that He will help us through life, it is different to trust Him daily. In our heads, we may say God is enough, but in our hearts, it may not have taken root. This is the heart of the matter James addressed in his letter. His words cut deep into the disloyalty and harm that his readers’ behavior had on their relationship with God. It was more than just choosing their own way; every choice to go their own way was ultimately a step away from the commitment they had made to God.

Even though many generations have passed, we have the same tendency today. A commitment to Jesus may be something we give lip-service to, but it is harder to live by every day. God’s redemption is not just for us to go to heaven but to walk with Him in our lives today. When we humbly come before Him and ask for His help, He is faithful to give grace and equip us every step of the way.

• When did you initially commit to Christ? What are the ways you have walked with Him since then? What are some of the ways you still seek friendship with the world?
• What are some reasons it is easier to seek friendship with the world than faithfulness to God?
• Pray and confess to God where it has been hard to walk with Him daily. Admit where you have tried to find your own solutions instead.