Back in 2005 I started writing weekly devotionals to our congregation. The very first one I did was from the book of James. Seeing that I am presently preaching through this tremendous book, I thought I would dig up this article and run it again...enjoy!
I love the Book of James. As a matter of fact, I think the next book study we do at NewSong will be through this practical and penetrating New Testament book. The only problem is that there are a number of troubling statements throughout the book that you have to deal with. One in particular is James 4:8, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” Wait a minute! When I came to Christ didn’t His work on the cross bridge the chasm of my sin and liberate me out of the camp of the condemned and place me into the fellowship of forgiven?? Doesn’t Paul say that I was once far from God but now I have been brought near to Him? (Eph. 2:13) Before my salvation I was at enmity with God, but now we are friends (Rom. 5) – so which is it James – am I near or far away from the Lord? The most definitive answer is BOTH!
The fact is that when we came to Christ, we were placed into Christ, and we were eternally connected to Him just as a man and wife who are married are connected to each other. But just like in a marriage relationship, we can “cleave to each other and become one flesh” and still be far away at times. It was cute to watch Brett in the office today – fresh off his honeymoon. He and Jamie spent seven wonderful days in Mexico – 24/7. Now he is at the church working and she at her job. They will meet up this evening for dinner. He might have a meeting at church. She probably will need to grocery shop. By the end of the day they will feel a little different – having been with each other around the clock for the last week. Even though they are not around each other every waking (and non-waking) moment, they are still connected to each other. However, they might have to draw near to each other at times!
The drawing near that James is talking about is not about our position in Christ, but our present condition in Christ. It’s not about our standing with Christ, but the state of that relationship. Clearly James is telling us that at times as children of God we may find ourselves drifting away from the Lord. The passage assumes that it is a real possibility that at any given moment we could become distant from the Lord. The verse also makes it clear that drawing near to God is a voluntary action that you and I are to initiate. Also, it is up to us to make the first step toward God. There is a promise, that if we draw near to God, God will draw near to us and that is the place of true blessing and security.
So I guess the real issue today is to know how that drift might occur. James gives us indication with the rest of the verse, ”Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” We have to wash our hands, worship with our hearts and the Word must fill our heads! James says SIN certainly plays a part in us being away from the Lord. From the smallest of spiritual infractions to the major felonies of Biblical proportions – sin will certainly pull you away from the Lord. I used to work for Sears in the automotive department. One of the things I used to hate was getting oil on my hands – it hindered my grip. No matter how strong I might be, once I get oil or grease on my hands I can’t get a hold of anything. The same is true with God. Once the slippery nature of sin contaminates our hands we cannot grab hold of the Lord.
But a heart absent of worship will also cause a distance between you and your Savior. A worshipping heart occurs when you have totally devoted all of your affections on the Lord and not on other idols. Idolatry is not just when we bow before marble statues, but occurs when our heart’s affection is fixed on someone other than the Lord Jesus. James says that we should have a pure heart and a pure heart produces worship toward God. This was never so more evident then on Sunday during our communion service. As we corporately came around the table of the Lord and fixed our hearts on Him and His work on the Cross, worship filled our hearts and the sanctuary. It was one of the most awesome experiences, as the church together was drawing near! Do you feel distant today? Take a moment and begin singing unto the Lord and recapture a heart of worship.
Finally, we will feel away from the Lord if our head is not filled with His Word. James calls it double-mindedness, confusion or a lack of clarity in our thinking. When we are double-minded, it is easy to take our eyes off the Lord. Yet the fastest way to draw near to the Lord is to dive headlong into His Word. Sometimes we don’t “feel” like reading it, but the Psalmist tells us that it is the Word of God that brings us back to God (Ps. 119:76). It’s His Word that describes who God is and His works and reminds us what we are missing and why we need to draw near! In a moment, we can be drawn back with the Lord, just by hearing His voice through the Word of God. While in Africa I was out of communications with Kris and Alex for over a week. It was the single longest time I have ever gone without talking with them in 20 years of marriage. On day seven I became unglued and ended up weeping uncontrollably with Ed Bley (it was funny to watch the horror on Ed’s face seeing the Big Dog falling apart)! The day we came out of the bush we were able to make a two minute call home. Just hearing their voices for that short moment in time was all I needed to make it the rest of the trip (trust me Ed was glad as well!). You see, hearing their voices was what I needed to draw back to them. That’s what God’s Word will do for you – even if all you have is a two minute call!! As a matter of fact, after a while – two minutes will NOT be enough – you will want more!!! If you feel distant from God, pick up the Book and give Him a call!!
I am not one for quoting a lot of old dead guys, but I read something today concerning drawing near to God. St. Augustine said this way: "You have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you." You and I were saved to stay near to the Lord. When we drift, we know that something is not right. We have to draw near. Not just on Sundays around a communion table, but at the dinner table, conference table or computer table!! Let’s draw near to Him and He will draw near to us!