Doing Right

KEY VERSE: “Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.” —James 4:17, New International Version

SELECTED SCRIPTURE: James 4:1-10, 13-17

THIS PASSAGE CONSIDERS the magnitude of going against what we know to be God’s will in a particular matter. This involves responsibility, and those who recognize this should never waver to do what he knows to be proper. This should be wisely considered.

James asks, “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?” (James 4:1, NIV) Pride and selfishness are generally the root of most disagreements. The apostle emphasizes that violence is the result of not getting what is wanted. (vss. 2,3) The Apostle John says, “Everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever.” (I John 2:16,17, NIV) Whenever a conflict of interest arises between our weaknesses and the divine will it is essential to approach God with a humble and contrite heart.

Profound struggle takes place between the spirit of the world and the life of the Christian. James says that it is impossible to be friends with God and the world at the same time. (vss. 4,5) The child of God must recognize that he is either living a life which is in harmony with the spirit of God, or that he is still in sympathy with the world. The consecrated Christian finds himself in the world, but not a part of it.

Continuing, “That is why Scripture says: ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble’.” (vs. 6, NIV) The worldly spirit manifests itself with pride, whereas the follower of Jesus strives with humility to overcome the spirit of pride, and draws near to God for instruction and guidance.

Jesus teaches, “Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”—Luke 18:14, NIV

“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (vs. 7, NIV) The apostle’s instruction is the only wise course of action to pursue. Satan is the god of this world, including its institutions, and we are commanded to leave that behind, seeking to know the divine will.

James warns against double-mindedness, admonishing a washing of hands and a purifying of heart. (vss. 8,9) Otherwise there will be grieving, and wailing, and laughter will be turned to mourning, and joy to gloom.

The Christian must soon decide whether he wants to be led by God, or remain in darkness. The more promptly this decision is made, the sooner progress will be realized.

“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.” (vs. 10, NIV) God promises to bless the humble-hearted, rich in faith. James draws attention to the spirit of complacency. (vs. 13) He gives examples of some who are so engrossed in their own secular pursuits that they do not pay attention to spiritual things.

Believers should be seeking to know the Lord’s will in all matters. (vss. 14-16) Instead, some carry on with their boasting and bragging, as usual. This is corruption that must be put away. Chapter four of his epistle concludes by reminding us that it is an evil thing to understand what the divine will is, and then to choose the opposite course.

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