James 4:4-5 Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously?”
We all have ambitions, which flow from our hopes and desires. The first few verses in James 4 remind us that dissension in Christ’s family chiefly flows from ungodly ambitions being pursued in ungodly ways. Like a hot knife through butter, verse 4 cuts to the chase declaring, “You are with me or you are against me, choose this day whom you will serve… and if it is me, then love me exclusively and follow me wholeheartedly.”
He uses language from the bedroom, reminding us that we sleep around on God when we choose the world over Him. He explains that cheating creates division in the family and sows discord between us and God. He pulls from other scriptures, highlighting that God, like a good husband, has a zealous and jealous love for His bride. He reminds us that anyone who violates the intimacy meant between exclusive lovers, no doubt becomes the enemy of the betrayed.
Father, help us to quit vacillating and embrace the hope of Heaven, the desires of the Lover of Our Soul. Help us to align ourselves with the ambitions of our bridegroom, Jesus Christ. Transform our will to yours, Maker, Savior, and Lord, that we would walk in our union as lovers, Happily Wed.
- Micah McElveen