□ Friend of God □ Friend of the World
In James 4 we find the following question and declaration, “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.”
The word enmity can also be translated hostility. It implies opposition or hatred toward another. I don’t know about you, but I do not relish the idea of opposing the God of the universe.
I believe our culture, even Christian culture, often fails to grasp this truth. We only get to check one box. Is our allegiance to God, or Satan? Do our lives center on the Kingdom of God, or the temporary, transient kingdom of this world? Our answers have eternal implications, and we don’t get to have it both ways.
When considering our own worldview, we must ask ourselves if it is truly biblical. It is easy to buy into the notion that there is something out there, beyond Scripture, that should inform our thinking – and living. But there is not.
My heart aches and longs for a life marked by total submission to God, and an unrelenting reliance upon Scripture to shape and inform my thinking in all dimensions of life. I know I won’t get there, totally, this side of heaven. But that doesn’t lessen my desire.
How about you? When it comes to relationships, entertainment, money, career – are you “team God,” or “team world?” Is your life indistinguishable from non-believers in the various dimensions of your life, or is there a clear, marked difference?
There is supposed to be a difference. Of course, we don’t make that our goal. This difference in us is a by-product of our relationship with Christ – the fruit of the Holy Spirit, if you will.
Make no mistake, we have all pledged our allegiance to someone. No one is exempt. We have yielded to Christ, or we have yielded to Satan. Which is it? Check your box.
