James 4

As we move into James 4 we can look back on all that we have learned through our study. We learned about faith, wisdom, works, and hope in all that God has promised. Now we can understand what it means to “submit yourself to God”. As Carrie Underwood would say, “Jesus Take the Wheel”. James 4 begins by explaining to us the never ending cycle of wanting more and more in life. Whether it be things, relationships, money, or acceptance in the world’s eyes, it seems to be impossible to reach the finish line. Verses 2-3 shed light onto our envious way of life here on earth,

James 4: 2-3, "You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure.”

James then goes on to explain that these habits can lead to far worse consequences in the long run,

James 4: 4, "Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God."

These verses seem harsh to say the least, but thankfully we serve a merciful God who desires to have a relationship with us as well as pour himself into our hearts. As the chapter transitions into the hope-side of this truth, verses 7-8 and 10 read,

James 4:7-8 & 10, "So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor."

All it takes is a call! And BAM God is right where you need him! As we learn to submit ourselves to the Lord and let him take control of our lives, it is no secret that it is difficult. Even then, God still comes with open arms and open ears to hear your heart, struggles, and needs.

The second portion of James 4 warns us of the fatal consequences of judging others. The reality is that we judge others all the time and sometimes without even realizing it. James 4 smashes this with a rock by saying we have no place to judge and that God is the only true judge. James 4:12 says,

James 4:12, "God alone, who gave the law, is the Judge. He alone has the power to save or to destroy. So what right do you have to judge your neighbor?"

Not only is this a smack in the face to our awful habits, but it can also be a portion of hope to us who feel judged. Knowing that no one’s opinion or judgment matters except for God’s and that his Son’s mercy showers us and makes us new, is so comforting. As we wrap up chapter 4, take a look at your own life and how you can submit your life to God, grow closer to Him, and understand he is the Almighty judge.

I pray that you can take what we have learned and apply it to your everyday walk with God. I pray that we as his children can learn to surrender all that we are to his perfect plan. I also pray that we can learn to love others like Jesus does and shine his light wherever we go!

With Lots of Love,

Georgia Zeleskey