The Danger of Disconnection

MORNING

Read James 4:2-4, 8.

Devotion

James is describing a very sad state of affairs in the church, however, I doubt that the Christians were actually "killing" each other (4:2). Most likely, James uses the term in the same way that Jesus did when he equated anger with murder (Matt. 5:21-22). The church members were at each other’s throats – fighting and quarreling over their priorities and desires. The church was a selfish mess.

But then this is what inevitably happens when God is left at a distance. Once we try to live for God without closeness to Him and dependence on Him, we end up pursuing our own agendas and adopting the agendas of the world around us. We lose touch with God’s heart, passions, and power, and instead have to fight hard for what we want, sometimes even arrogantly presuming we are fighting for God. James doesn’t see this Christian infighting as just a normal product of living in a broken world but as enmity against God (4:4). When we lose our closeness to God, we end up fighting against Him, as well as each other.

James describes the solution in 4:8, “Come near to God and He will come near to you.” Prayerful intimacy with God protects us from joining forces with the world. Prayerful intimacy with God brings God near. Prayerful intimacy with God corrects our motives. Prayerful intimacy with God aligns our hearts with His. Prayerful intimacy with God radically changes the way we think and live. People who live close to God are more humble, peaceful, joyful, and hopeful. You can pick them. God’s heart really does rub off on us as we come closer.

Prayer

It’s easy for me to believe that my agenda is Your agenda, Lord. It’s easy for me to think that I’m fighting for You when really I’m only fighting for myself and my ideas and desires. Please come close to me as I humbly draw close to You. Forgive me, humble me, soften me, purify me, and align my heart with Yours. I need Your presence filling my life. I want to be near You.

Today’s Bible Focus

“Come near to God and He will come near to you.”

LUNCHTIME (or when you can make a moment during the day)

1. Meditate for a short time on today’s Bible Focus. Let it seep into your heart.

2. Look and see what is happening around you from God’s perspective and listen to see whether God is whispering anything to you.

3. Pray for any not-yet Christians God has placed on your heart.

EVENING

1. Remember: Repeat today’s Bible Focus.

2. Reflect: Reflect on the day and thank God for what He has said and done.

3. Repent: Check where you have neglected or disobeyed God during the day and ask for forgiveness and freedom.

4. Release: Name any concerns or fears on your mind and release them to Jesus.