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Ring of Truth provides 366 daily ‘proofs’ that the Bible is consistent throughout from Genesis to Revelation, and relevant for our lives today!
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James 4:3-5
“When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. Or do you think Scripture says without reason that the Spirit He caused to live in us envies intensely?”
James is full of hard words, isn’t he?
Maybe it’s because he saw the Truth, the Genuine, and anything else is either sub-standard or repulsive.
James is a constant challenge to us who live in ‘Western-style’ countries. We have freedom and democracy, we have peace and prosperity and the abundance of technology. These blessings are so often denied those living in other countries, particularly those of the ‘third world.’ Yet, they still don’t bring us happiness, satisfaction, health or security.
Not only is that true, but additionally, we are driven by the ‘rat race’, peer pressure, the acquisition of things, materialism and the dollar. And if that isn’t bad enough, we have then allowed T.V., videos, computer games, the Internet and magazines to bring abhorrent things into our homes, which cause us to grieve, and to distrust the truth and ways of God.
It’s difficult to be different, to stop and consider what we are doing or trying to achieve. The challenge of the Cross and the cost of discipleship are too dim or too great. ‘Give me a break – I need time to myself’ is an often-heard cry – from the heart, if not the mouth.
“Friendship with the world” is passive as well as active. For most of us it is our default setting. We don’t actively want to do what the world does, or accept its values but it’s too much trouble to act against it or go against the flow. “Because everyone else does it – it can’t be that bad.”
Why do we feel that we are not making much of an impact as Christians and as the Church? Maybe it’s because we just aren’t that much different. We look at Christians in countries where there is outright persecution with awe, wonder and incomprehension. They ‘stand up’ for Jesus regardless of the cost to their livelihood, family or lives. We can’t even be bothered to get to church on time and complain if the service is too long. Prayer meetings? Why bother with them? “You don’t have, because you don’t ask God” (James 4:2).
How exciting it is to meet with people who are ‘Sold Out for Jesus’. They have a motivation, a purpose and an excitement about them. How thrilling it is to go to a church where the mid-week prayer meeting is attended by over 50% of the congregation. They expect things to happen.
And guess what? They do. As we prioritise the Son of God and His kingdom, He releases His Spirit and blessing – captives are set free, the light of the Gospel of Jesus Christ eliminates the darkness, and the Kingdom of God is seen and experienced on earth.
How badly do you want to see and experience it?
Are there any changes in your priorities and lifestyle, which are required before you will?
If I am different – I might make a difference. No – I will make a difference.
What about you? What ‘different’ things will you do today – in order to make a difference?
What are you going to ask God for today?
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