James: What You Do MattersSample

James wants his readers—including you and me—to take their allegiances and affiliations seriously. He wants us to align ourselves with God above all else. The world’s value system regarding fame, wealth, pride, power, security, and success is hostile toward the value system of God.

Prizing these worldly values creates envy, arrogance, and selfish ambitions, and expands our capacity to sin. Not only will these create internal anxieties, but they will also yield external quarrels.

My hunch is that you’ve felt that internal stress before. Perhaps you’ve wrestled with the nagging feeling you should be further along than you are right now. Or you’ve thought, if only I had what so-and-so had, I’d be happy. Or maybe you’ve come to believe that if you just got this one promotion at work, everything would be different. Or you’ve watched the news and now you’re fretting about the state of the world and your future.

Christ came to free you from friendship with the world so you can walk in the abundance, joy, and contentment that comes from being a friend of God. He is your best friend forever.