In the New Testament the book of James is often misunderstood by many in Christianity. This is because James repeatedly makes challenging statements that are confrontational and contrary to our natural thinking. For example, he begins his letter with the seemingly insensitive statement that we are to count our trials as a time of joy. This is because James is devoted to a right understanding of himself living under the sovereign hand of God. He is more concerned with fulfilling God’s purposes and living by faith than he is his comforts and rights. He serves as a clarifier of our understanding in looking at this world and ourselves from God’s perspective.

In the first five verses of James chapter 4, he addresses quarrels and conflicts among those who are brethren. He points his finger at the source of these and calls those engaged in such, “adulteresses” who are yet attached to the world (James 4:4). He means adultery in their relation to God. These are claiming God, but by their attitude and actions show unfaithfulness. This is such a serious charge that he goes on to say, “Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” This is a way of saying that those quarreling with others within the family of God, are acting like those in the world who are without Christ. James is fleshing out those claiming to be Christian but are not living a right testimony even among Christian brothers and sisters.  In verse 5 he focuses on God’s desire to see the Spirit of God at work in those who claim Him. All Christians have the residence of the Holy Spirit. At issue are the attitudes and actions of church members that are living contrary to the spiritual new birth. In these first five verses of chapter 4 is the identification of the problem and its resulting testimony, but he doesn’t stop there; he then provides the cure. The cure is timeless and necessary for all who claim Jesus Christ.

Beginning in verse 6 quoting Proverbs 3:34 He says, “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” This statement brings into focus why these are acting more like the world than like a Christian. They are yet fixed on personal pride. No person can be driven by pride and at the same time have allegiance to God. Therefore, by actions, God’s residence does not appear to be present in them. It is a professing Christian with one foot in church and the other acting as those in the world system. This association is seen by God as pride. Pride is the opposite of humility. All unsaved persons put themselves ahead of God and generally ahead of others. It is therefore a matter of denying what God’s word says of our natural condition in sin. A central theme of scripture for all who know Christ is to come to the end of self. And this is not something for a one-time action at our point of justification, but it is to continue with us in sanctification – daily living out of our faith. God alone has the cure! To recognize self through the lens of scripture leads to the obedience of humility.

To be humble is an issue of attitude and commitment. In verse 7 we read, “Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” This submission requires a change of direction. Repentance is not something we do once, but in humility we repeatedly repent of our fleshly failures. “For the flesh sets its desires against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please” (Gal. 5:17). The things that we please are things related to our natural flesh or old self. How does a correct mindset begin and make progress within us? James says, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded” (James 4:8). Then after expressing what should be our brokenness in verse 9, he says, “Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you” (James 4:10). In all our actions, we should recognize who we are before God and that should be visible in us as we address others. The prophet Isaiah puts our attitude into correct focus, “Listen to me, you who pursue righteousness, who seek the Lord: look to the rock from which you were hewn and to the quarry from which you were dug” (Isaiah 51:1). God’s word humbles us causing us to solely depend upon Him and give Him all the glory. This attitude in action results in humility and grace as we interact with others.  Although we will never walk fully worthy of our calling, we are to pursue foremost that which pleases our Lord with all humility.