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- James 4:4-6
James 4:4-6
4 You adulterers! 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. 5 Do you think the Scriptures have no meaning? They say that God is passionate that the spirit he has placed within us should be faithful to him. 6 And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say,
“God opposes the proud
but gives grace to the humble.”
James calls out desires centered on worldly things as another source of conflict. When we prioritize anything over what God has for us, we position ourselves against Him. The temptation to align with the values and desires we see all around us is real, but they lead us away from the peace and joy that comes from living in harmony with God's will. Our culture often elevates individualism and self-gratification, which can fuel conflict with others and with God.
Examine your own life for areas where values from our culture may be influencing your decisions and actions. Are your friendships, habits, and desires reflecting the character of Christ, or are they shaped by societal norms? Recognizing these influences can help us redirect our focus back to our identity in Christ, fostering the kind of healthy relationships God wants for us.
• What influences are impacting your life and relationships?
• How can you identify and resist temptations that lead to conflict?
Pray to thank God for His grace as promised in verse 6. Ask Him to guide your thoughts and desires to be focused on Him and His ways.