12 – December – 2009 – YMIblogging

ODB: sowing seed with tears

December 12, 2009 READ: Ephesians 4:17-24 I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart. —Romans 9:2 In our Bible-study class, we were reading Ephesians 4:17-24 out loud when Alyssa began to cry. Most of us were wondering why, when she quietly said, “I’m crying because hearing this passage read out loud makes me [...]

ODJ: up in smoke

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Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? (v.4).

READ: James 4:1-10

When a photo of Michael Phelps inhaling from a marijuana pipe was released to the media earlier this year, it was a sad day for him and his fans around the world. The squeaky-clean image of the sensational swimmer—winner of 8 gold medals in the 2008 Olympic Games—was immediately tarnished. His pure and spotless public persona literally went up in smoke. 

Michael did everything right in striving to atone for his actions—apologizing publicly for his “regrettable behavior” and “bad judgment.” But the damage had been done. A poor choice had cost him greatly. 

In James 4, the writer presents some strong words for believers in Jesus who make the poor choice of embracing sin. By being a friend of the world, we become an enemy of God (v.4). James says that we are “adulterers” when we buy the world’s values and go after what it offers. (See also Hosea 2:2-5.) Instead, Jesus calls us to be His loving and faithful bride who doesn’t turn away from Him for a moment of worldly pleasure (Ephesians 5:23-32). 

Have you been entertaining thoughts of leaving Jesus’ side to experience a dance with the devil? Take these words to heart: “Humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you” (James 4:7-8). 

By repenting and turning to Jesus, we can experience a purified heart and renewed loyalty of relationship with Him (v.8). As we bow before Jesus, dropping our sins and poor choices at His feet, we experience His presence as He lifts us “up in honor” (v.10). 

Before you make a move away from God, consider the cost. What will go  “up in smoke” if you go after sin? —Tom Felten

NEXT
What happens to our fellowship with Jesus when we choose to sin? How can we avoid a momentary lapse that will result in long-term devastation?

(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)