“4 You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” (James 4:4)
Choose wisely the friends in your life. Scripture is clear about true friendship that is first found in a relationship with Jesus who sacrificed Himself to save sinners. True friends will speak the truth in love, remember the kisses of the enemy are profuse. The truth we need is often a boot on our backside and those who care the most for us will have the courage to correct us. Many friends will be confusing and draining. Life is not Facebook and you are not defined by how many likes (kisses of the enemy) you get in the world. Which James speaks to in this passage.
In the wisdom and truth given to James by Holy Spirit we learn a startling truth that if we continue to pursue worldly friendship based on the passions and lust of the heart, we are enemies with God. Many would object that they are not at war with God as they seek to live their life. However, the world is the domain of Satan, God has allowed limited freedom to him (see Ephesians 6). If we choose friends of the world rather than friendship with God and His children, then we enter the enemy’s camp. If we are in the camp with Satan, then God sees us as His enemies.
Find a group, a church, a part of the body that loves each other in the truth, not judgmental condemnation but biblical love and truth as sinners seeking to help other sinners. Solomon in all His wisdom knew this truth.
“9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! 11 Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? 12 And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9–12)
Life is better together! Peace and grace in Christ.
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