Nougat 4

Today’s Holy Nougat can be somewhat unpleasant for some of us. But if we pause long enough to chew slowly, it is a bit more palatable.

“Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.” ‭‭James‬ ‭4:8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

To whom is he speaking? In one breath (phrase), James seems to be directing his words to ‘backsliding’ saints; then he seems to shift gears. Or is it all intended for the unconverted? If that is the case, how would James get the message to them, as they were unlikely to be the primary recipients of this letter. And were unlikely to be part of the gathered community.

Perhaps it’s directed to us believers and is intended to bring us back in alignment with God. If that’s the intent, and I am inclined to think so; then how do we take the second part of the admonition? Again, the parable of the Lost Sons comes to mind. Remember that story in Luke 15? If we try to distance ourselves from the various slants (interpretations) of the parable, what jumped out at you? When you heard/read it for the first time; how many lost people did you see? And were you caught by surprise, like me, with the ending?

Although we would prefer to pretend that the other brother didn’t exist in our world (ie those people out there), there may be times when we are the one. The one who – though actively involved with the work and witness of our fellowship – get bogged down by little sins. It may be as simple as gossip (possibly about the wayward son’s most recent exploits), or perhaps it’s more overt … like a growing resentment towards those who seem to get a ‘free ride’ back into fellowship, despite their former behavior.

I feel that this type of behavior might be what generated James’ comments. For the sin he is most concerned about is that which occurs in our hearts. Those which, left unchecked, widen the gap between us and God while we are blissfully unaware. Therefore, we must not only purify our hearts, but thereafter we ought to have God’s Spirit guard our hearts lest we fall prey to the enemy of our souls time and again. And we know that if God’s Spirit is the one purifying and guarding us; it becomes way easier to lean towards God’s plan and purpose for our lives.

As we are all sinners saved by grace, we are not perturbed by the designation. If we yield to temptation, we sin. But God’s grace redeems us. And transformed by grace, we are like the saints of Proverbs, who returns to God in repentance (see Proverbs 24:16). Drawing close to God, we rise …

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May all we seek be found in Christ