“Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore would be a friend of the world maketh himself an enemy of God. Or think ye that the scripture speaketh in vain? The spirit which dwelt in us longeth unto envying. But he giveth more grace. Wherefore the scripture saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace to the humble. Be subject therefore unto God; but resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:4-7)
In today’s reading, we see that James delivers a stern warning against the dangers of compromising with the world. He begins by addressing his readers as “adulterers and adulteresses,” a strong metaphor denoting unfaithfulness to God. This unfaithfulness is rooted in a desire for friendship with the world, which is equated with enmity towards God. The pursuit of worldly approval and pleasures will lead us away from God, making us an enemy of God.
James then asks rhetorically if the Scriptures speak in vain, affirming that the human spirit is prone to envy and selfish desires. Yet, despite our sinful inclinations, the Lord offers more grace. This grace is given to the humble, those who recognise their need for God and submit to His will. In contrast, God resists the proud, those who are attached to worldly pursuits.
As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are to be subject to God and resist the devil. Submission to God involves recognising His supreme authority and walking according to His commandments. In doing so, we gain the strength to resist the devil, and he will flee from us. When we humbly submit to God, He grants grace to overcome the temptations of the world and the devil.
