Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

James 4:4

At first glance this verse seems to completely contradict yesterday’s verse (see 1 Timothy 4:4). That verse said to gladly receive everything God created and even to find pleasure in those things. Today’s verse says that if we aim to enjoy the world, we can’t be God’s friends.

The Greek word for world here refers to the evil system under Satan’s control. This verse is not saying that we cannot enjoy anything in this world. Instead, it is making the point that if we make it our aim—goal, life focus, final destination—to enjoy this world’s evil, we cannot be God’s friend. Nothing is wrong with enjoying life and God’s blessings. Friendship with the world, however, involves seeking pleasure at the expense of others or being involved in sinful practices. Taking pleasure in God and his blessings is good; taking pleasure in the sin of this world is not.

We can enjoy the blessings God gives us in this world because this is where we live. While we can bring light into darkness, we can also pray that we will never become “friends” with that darkness. 

GOD’S PROMISE TO ME:

• You are my friend as you take pleasure in me.

MY PRAYER TO GOD:

Heavenly Father, give me the discernment to know when I’m about to compromise. I want to enjoy your creation without embracing the world system. I don’t want to be your enemy. Help me to appreciate my friendship with you. Amen.