Choices

Scripture:

Therefore, submit to God. But resist the Devil, and he will flee from you.

Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, double-minded people!
James 4:7-8


Observation:

These verse give us five decisions (choices) we can make to help us learn to walk humbly in the grace of God each day:

1. Submit to God. Submission, according to the NAS New Testament Greek Lexicon, is “a voluntary attitude of giving in, cooperating, assuming responsibility, and carrying a burden.” Simply put, submission to God is recognizing He is Who He is, and reacting accordingly. Choosing to follow Him, to take up the work He gives me, and to cooperate FULLY with His directions.
2. Resist the devil. This one is the opposite of submission. Resistance is withstanding or opposing someone or something. The weapon used to withstand the accuser is the Word of God. Know Scripture, sisters, and recite it when the accuser comes against you with his lies and he WILL flee from you. In this verse, “flee” refers to escaping danger. The Truth of God’s Word is dangerous for the enemy because it reminds him that God has ALREADY WON the battle the devil continues to try to fight. He will run from It. Know the Word of God and use it to combat the enemy’s accusing lies!
3. Draw near to God. The result of drawing near to God? He draws near to us. We CANNOT reach God on our own. But by approaching Him (drawing near), we are asking Him to join us to Himself, and He WILL respond to that request!
4. Cleanse our hands. We need to set apart all the things we do, all the tasks we seek to accomplish, and declare them dedicated to God’s work. The word “sinner” is referring to one who is not free from sin. We need to strive to live a life free from sin (in the power of the Holy Spirit).
5. Purify our hearts. To “purify” is to “cleanse morally.” “Hearts” refers to our mind, will (choices) and emotions. We are to ensure that our thoughts, choices (which are reflected in our behaviors) and feelings are morally clean, that they are aligned with the Word of God and reflect His Will for our lives. This instruction is directed at “double-minded” people, who are those who doubt or who are divided in interest. We need to be single-minded about fulfilling the mission God has given us in building His Kingdom!

Application:

Each day I make choices, and I am responsible for my choices, my actions, and my decisions. A maturing christian’s actions will reflect Jesus more with each passing day. Am I reflecting Him more today than I was last week? Last month? Last year?


Prayer:

Father God, I choose to follow You, to submit to You, to resist the enemy, to draw near to You. Thank You for drawing near to me in response!