Part 3 #Friendship with the world


Reading: James 4:4
          You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.
          Romans 12:17-21
          Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this , you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

          It seems that these two scripture passages conflict with one another. One seems to say stay away from worldly people and the other to do good to them. Does the Bible give contradictory messages? By no means! If you look at more than just vs 4 you'll see that the message of James 4 is referring to taking the practices of the world into our Christian relationships. If we bring selfish motives into our relationships there will be law suits and arguments and a breakdown of the communion of saints. This passage is not so much about our relationship to unbelievers as it is to adopting their practices.
          In Romans 12 it speaks about taking our Christian practices into our dealings with everyone around us, including unbelievers. Here we are to emulate Christ. He forgave us while we were yet sinners. He acted in love despite our behavior. In His wisdom God knows that loving our neighbor renews our spirit, fills us with joy and thanksgiving. The response of the person is not important, but our attitude is. We can not reflect the love of our Saviour if we are filled with hatred or revenge or deceitful practices.

          The world is watching us. Let us not show them our sinful natures in our relationships with one another or with them. Let us truly reflect and speak about the love of God in Christ Jesus. In this way we befriend one another and may win some others for Christ. Do not be influenced by the world, but let your light so shine before others! 

I leave you with the lyrics of Matthew Redman came to mind:

We will shine like stars in the universe,
Holding out Your truth in the darkest place.
We’ll be living for Your glory,
Jesus we’ll be living for Your glory


From The NorMel House where I pray my light is shining

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