DEVOTION – DAY 599

James 4:4 “Friends With The World, Enemy Of God”

James 4:4 “You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity with God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.”

James reminds us that the word “world” represents worldly systems, values and beliefs. It also includes worldly pursuits like an obsession to becoming rich and famous, or being a top video game player, or seeking attention and being a social media influencer. It is anything that forms an “idol” in our hearts and minds. God created us to fellowship with Him and He wants to have a relationship with Him. So, anything that replaces God in our hearts and obsesses us will affect our relationship with Him. That is why James tells us that friendship with the world means enmity with God.

Twenty years ago, 7 out of 10 people would disapprove of LGBTQ community but today 7 out of 10 people would be tolerant of and accepting of LGBTQ behavior. A generation ago, many people would use the Bible’s teachings as the benchmark of what is acceptable boundaries in sexual behavior. But today, many do not care, or are ignorant of the Bible’s teachings. So, they become tolerant of other people’s sexual preferences. More and more people are open to the idea that people can be whoever they want to be. 

Gender confusion is another example of people being friends with the world. We all know that every child is either born male or female. That is how God has created us. However, some people have accepted the worldly idea that if for whatever reasons, a person does not like their gender, they can change their gender. In extreme cases, children in their teens can have their gender reassigned without their parent’s permission, as in the case of California, US. This is an example of people thinking they know better than God, what gender they should be. It is a clear example of being friends with the world making them opposed to God’s teachings.

Let us pray: Heavenly Father, please forgive us for the times we have allowed things of this world to distract us and affect our relationship with you. Please help us to remain firm in our walk with you and have your Word guide us daily. We humbly pray in the great name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Questions

  1. What are some ways that people have fallen into worldly thinking and views, and that have led them astray from their walk with God and His Word?
  2. What steps will you take to safeguard your hearts and minds against being conformed to the world’s thinking, values and systems?
  3. Why should you safeguard your hearts and minds against worldly thinking and values?