– Scripture:
Where do you think all these appalling wars and quarrels come from? Do you think they just happen? Think again. They come about because you want your own way, and fight for it deep inside yourselves. You lust for what you don’t have and are willing to kill to get it. You want what isn’t yours and will risk violence to get your hands on it. You wouldn’t think of just asking God for it, would you? And why not? Because you know you’d be asking for what you have no right to. You’re spoiled children, each wanting your own way. You’re cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and his way. And do you suppose God doesn’t care? The proverb has it that “he’s a fiercely jealous lover.” And what he gives in love is far better than anything else you’ll find. It’s common knowledge that “God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble.”
James 4:1–6 MSG
– Reflection:
Get Serious
“When believers compromise and live according to the culture, values, and ideas of this world, we are committing spiritual adultery. God makes it clear that we cannot serve two masters. If we live for the world, we will worship the things that the world values, which directly oppose the values of God. We must choose daily to serve, worship, and live for God alone.”
Where do we go from here?
Where are you finding it challenging to compromise with the world? God empowers believers to resist the temptation to compromise His values and instead live wholeheartedly for Him.
Our Prayer for Today
Father, we thank You for protecting us and helping us resist the temptation to compromise Your values and distort Your Word. Please protect our hearts and minds from thoughts, ideas, or belief systems contradicting Your Word. Lord, please remove any areas of pride in our hearts that may prevent us from humbly serving You and Your people. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.