It’s A Climb to the Bottom

James 4:7-10, Ray Adams

February 1, 2024 Ray Adams Devotional - Growing in Wisdom 2

By Ray Adams, Bible and History Professor, Mission University, Springfield, MO

Read James 4:7-10.

We live in a 21st-century post-Christian culture that is proud, arrogant, haughty, and narcissistic. So many people are only interested in their own selfish desires, and most of those desires conflict with God’s commands. Even many Christians have adopted a “me first” philosophy that clearly contradicts biblical instruction. Proverbs 16:18 says, “Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.” As I grow older, I am amazed at how much the Bible teaches the principle of humility. Oh, Christian, we must learn this.

James 4 tells us that our prideful actions are in direct defiance of God Almighty. Our lusts and selfish desires are at “enmity with God” (vs. 4). Verse 6 tells us that “God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.”

James 4:7-10 continues the theme of humility by telling us to “Submit to God” (vs. 7), which is an act of humbleness and servitude. As we “Resist the devil” (vs. 7b), there is an action taken that dictates our submission to God’s direction and a promise that the devil will then flee. So, it is the humble person who will have victory over the attacks of the evil one.

James 4:8 tells us in a humble act of submission, as we draw near to God, “He will draw nigh to you.” For the believer, it is the humble approach towards God, in a worshipful way, that allows His grace to be fully recognized and appreciated. But James goes on to spell out several other steps that must take place in the process of repentance, to be humble and experience all of God’s grace. Consider these bullet points that lead to repentance:

“Cleanse your hands, ye sinners” (vs. 8). This demands a conscious effort at repentance.
“Purify your hearts, ye double minded” (vs. 8). A penitent heart is required to be stable and humble (James 1:8-9).
“Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep” (vs. 9). A humble person will be one who is broken over his sinfulness.
“Let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness” (vs. 9). To approach God, one must be honest, remorseful, and contrite. That’s the path to Humility.

For the Christian, vs. 10 is the culmination of our humbleness to God. God will elevate us in His time and according to His will. So, believer, how will you submit to God’s plan for your life? Someone has said, “Christianity is not a climb to the top, but a climb to the bottom; how are you doing? Can you practice Humility? It’s the path to receiving God’s richest graces.

Christianity is not a climb to the top, but a climb to the bottom; how are you doing?

Reflective Questions:

How have you observed the prevalence of pride and selfishness in our culture? In what ways have you personally struggled with a “me first” philosophy that contradicts biblical instruction?
What does it mean to submit to God, and why is this an act of humility and servitude?
How does humility enable us to have victory over the attacks of the devil, according to James 4:7-10?

Memory Verse:

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up. James 4:10

Prayer:

Dear God, I know the world around me lives contrary to the standard you have set, especially regarding pride. I know the Bible says that You resist the proud but give grace to the humble. Help me to live with humility. Help me to cleanse my hands and purify my heart.