James 4:5-6 Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, “He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us”? (6) But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
James makes it clear with his hearers in verse 4 that befriending the world makes one an enemy of God. Yet, he moves right into God’s grace without hesitation in the form of a question. Though it doesn’t appear that there is a specific scripture he is referring to when he states, “He yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us”, James is posing the question, “do the scriptures not talk of the yearning God has for you and me”? “Is it not abundantly clear when you read through the scriptures that He cares and loves all of us so deeply that his heart breaks when we are befriending the world and becoming his enemy?”
James is calling us to receive the abundant grace he has to offer by turning back to Him in humility. Turning away from the things of the flesh. Turning away from the distractions that keep us from pursuing Christ. God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Having God oppose you is not a good place to be! There is truly no defense when we face His judgement filled with pride, elevating ourselves above others. James will go on in verse 10 to tell us to humble ourselves before the Lord and He will exalt us. Even Peter writes that we are to humble ourselves under God’s mighty hand and he will lift you up in due time.
Verse 4 reminds us that when we become a friend of the world we are an enemy of God. But, as we move on to verses 5 and 6 we are reminded of His grace for us. When we repent of our pride and self-will and humble ourselves before the Lord then he will exalt us. He is able to work with a humble vessel far greater than a man or woman filled with spiritual pride.
Prayer
Lord, I repent of my pride today and I desire to walk humbly with you being my Lord and Savior. Forgive me for befriending the world and please help me to desire you more than any other things this world has to offer. Amen