Word@Work James36 - James 4:4
Published: Tue, 03/31/09
Word@Work from BeaconLight
EITHER ONE OR THE OTHER
James 4:4 You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred towards God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. (NIV)
There is an old English saying, "A man is known by the company he keeps". It originated from a 16thC book for marriage preparation, translated from the Swiss author and pastor Bullinger, which was avidly read as a way to understand how to put the Bible's teaching into everyday application. Those we choose as our friends not only influence our thinking, but also show up the values we admire. Either we love what God loves, or love what He hates. There is no middle ground: like in marriage, you are either faithful or unfaithful ... 'half faithful' is actually 'unfaithful'.
The Old Testament often uses adultery as a picture of spiritual unfaithfulness to God. So people who choose to reject a relationship with God in favour of temporary, worldly pleasures, are rejecting the One who loves them - which is a truly hateful thing. No wonder God calls them enemies. Yet James is speaking to Christians (or at least people in the churches who call themselves Christians). It is designed to be a reality check!
Contentment at work is a rare, but blessed thing. Discontent leads to all the arguments and struggles described in James 4:1-3. In order to grab what God has not given, people make friendships with those who can help them, because they share the same greed. Instead of putting God in the centre, human pride rejects His wisdom, rushing with others, to secure its selfish goals. But there is more at stake. Jesus asked the question, "What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?" Matthew 16:26. If that is you, a mark of repentance is a new set of friends.
Prayer: Holy God. Thank you for this reality check. As I see my friends, I see a mirror of myself. Where I am wrong help me to change my goals and surround myself with those people who want to honour You. For Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages
There is an old English saying, "A man is known by the company he keeps". It originated from a 16thC book for marriage preparation, translated from the Swiss author and pastor Bullinger, which was avidly read as a way to understand how to put the Bible's teaching into everyday application. Those we choose as our friends not only influence our thinking, but also show up the values we admire. Either we love what God loves, or love what He hates. There is no middle ground: like in marriage, you are either faithful or unfaithful ... 'half faithful' is actually 'unfaithful'.
The Old Testament often uses adultery as a picture of spiritual unfaithfulness to God. So people who choose to reject a relationship with God in favour of temporary, worldly pleasures, are rejecting the One who loves them - which is a truly hateful thing. No wonder God calls them enemies. Yet James is speaking to Christians (or at least people in the churches who call themselves Christians). It is designed to be a reality check!
Contentment at work is a rare, but blessed thing. Discontent leads to all the arguments and struggles described in James 4:1-3. In order to grab what God has not given, people make friendships with those who can help them, because they share the same greed. Instead of putting God in the centre, human pride rejects His wisdom, rushing with others, to secure its selfish goals. But there is more at stake. Jesus asked the question, "What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?" Matthew 16:26. If that is you, a mark of repentance is a new set of friends.
Prayer: Holy God. Thank you for this reality check. As I see my friends, I see a mirror of myself. Where I am wrong help me to change my goals and surround myself with those people who want to honour You. For Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.
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