James 4:1-10

James 4:1-10

Today we hear very little teaching about the sin of worldliness. Worldliness is often the first mentioned when we speak of the three categories of sin, “the world, the flesh, and the devil.” Worldliness is subtle and seductive, working its way into our hearts with such stealth that we do not realize its hold on us. All the while slowly turning our attention and decisions from Christ to whatever we possess or desire to possess. Never doubt that what secures our attention will ultimately control our will. Worldliness tells us that having more will satisfy the deepest needs and longings of our heart and soul. It is not the vice of the rich or the super-rich. It is a malady that is in every heart that has not set its affection on Jesus above all else.

James shows that worldliness always causes conflict both within our own being and in the community of faith. Were it not for the desire to be in charge, to control, to have power, almost all church conflicts would vanish. Worldliness kills prayer, authentic prayer; it turns prayer from a time of common union with God to a “give me this” listing time. Ultimately even the pretense of praying ends. This runaway desire to have more, to improve our situation, and to place our hope in stuff is contrary to our relationship with God. Not to mention finding a place of well-being and contentment. To love the world is adultery to God. This is no minor issue. Our culture and much of our contemporary faith have given themselves over to worldliness. But the Holy Spirit jealously convicts us to repent of loving stuff. James carefully and perfectly links worldliness with pride and tells us that the only way to resist the temptation of worldliness and pride is by resisting the Devil Himself. The desire to find our fulfillment in having more is a direct and personal invitation from Satan. Repentance marked by humility is the only cure. When we become Christians, we renounce the world, the flesh, and the devil, which is often part of the pre-baptism teaching. But the habits of life and our culture mean that we will have to keep on fighting. But when we humble ourselves before the Lord, he is delighted to lift us up, first in baptism and on the last day and at all times in between.

“Lord, give me a heart to renounce the allurements of the world.  AMEN