Scripture Text: James 4:8-10
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.
James 4:10
As James addressed the state of heart of the 'Christians' during this time, he didn't leave the people by just pointing out the state of their heart, but also told them how they would be able to win over these fleshly desires and pride. A problem will always have its solution—a resolution to draw near to God.
Drawing near to God is drawing near to His word and to His truth. Seeking Him with all of our being and with no reservations—an all out decision to seek Him fully. Does this mean that God is reactive since once we draw to Him, then He will only draw Himself closer to us? No! Your saving faith itself was the initiative of the loving Father though Christ His Son.
Seeking the Lord with our whole heart can only be done if you're empowered by the Spirit and your heart has already been made new by God, which is the driving force that will push you to seek God—a renewed heart is a heart that seeks His presence and will continually. This can only be done if we are cleansed by the blood of the Lamb and renewed mind in the Spirit.
James proceeded with telling the people of God to mourn, not because there is no joy in Christ, but to mourn and weep because of the sins that we continually commit and the fleshly desires in us that entangles us to completely follow the Lord and His will. - Christians who continually live in sins should mourn and repent from these sins and beg from God to be cleansed and empower them to obey His will completely.
James specifically ordered these Christians to humble themselves in front of God because the fact that they have a heart that is quarrelsome, corrupt by fleshly passion, and does not love the neighbor which Christ commanded to love, is indicating that they have a heart that is not submitting to the commands of God, rather to themselves—which is evil in the sight of God.
Reflect
Is it our aim to be continually made right in front of God and do we cooperate by hearing and doing the word?
Remember
To resolute in seeking God with our whole heart will drive us to a life that is pleasing in front of Him and will give glory to Him and will lose our appetite to the worldly passions.
Read
Romans 7:7-23; 1 Peter 2:1-11
Pray
Father, please have mercy on us, Your children. It is only by Your will we can overcome these evil hearts of ours and change it to a heart that will only chase to please You. Please save us from our sins and humble us and let us find satisfaction in You alone.
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