Today’s reading is James 4.
The first four verses of this chapter (James 4:1-4) challenge us to determine whether we are more of a friend of the world or God. I’ve heard pastors say that if you want to see where your priorities lie, look at your bank/credit card statement and your calendar. This will tell you where your focus and your heart is. I can tell myself and others all I want that He Is my highest priority, but these would sadly tell a different story. Reviewing these would say I am a friend of the world. Verse 4 tells us that makes me an enemy of God.
What is my response to my enemies? I wish I could say something differently, but it is usually that I’m perfectly fine with seeing them stumble and fall. I want retribution for the wrong they have done to me or my family or to those I care about.
What is God’s response to me being his enemy by prioritizing the world over him? James 4:6 says he gives “more grace.” The Greek word before grace is actual megas which is like saying He gives us mega grace. Romans 5:8 says, “but God showed His love for us that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” His love and mercy for us is truly incredible.
While we don’t need to do anything to receive His grace, James 4:7-8 tells us that if submit to God, the devil will flee from us. And if we draw closer to God, He will draw closer to us. In James 4:9, it goes on to say if we humble ourselves before God, He will exalt us.
Our sin exalted Him to be lifted up and nailed on a cross to die and suffer a painful death. Yet His grace creates a bridge that draws us in and brings us together with Him for an eternity.
In response to this, we are all called upon to not gossip and speak badly of others, but instead to give grace to them (James 4:11-12).
The question for you and me is, what will we do with it? Will we draw near to Him? Will we give others the “mega grace” He gives us we don’t deserve?
