Devotion:
Read James 4:6-10.
James is writing to Christians who were quarreling; committing murder and adultery; living by lust, greed, and envy. They were struggling to uphold their Christian faith and weren’t submitting to either Christ or their fellow Christians. The Greek word for submission is hupotasso which means to get under and lift up, or to put in order. When we submit to Christ, we “get under” or “lift up” his mission of grace, mercy, and love. Like the early Christians, we also struggle to uphold our Christian faith and submit to Christ and each other. Submission means we let go of our pride and humbly surrender to God’s will. We find good news in the first part of our passage today. “ But he gives us more grace.” God gives us his grace even when we sin. God gives us grace even when we disappoint him. God continually forgives us and gives us more and more grace. Why would we not submit to such a gracious, grace-giving God? This passage reminds us that when we draw near to him and humble ourselves, he will lift us up. He lifts us up by giving us spiritual blessings and peace that passes our own understanding. God models for us what he expects us to do for others: extend grace to others and lift them up.
Personal Worship Option:
Who do you need to lift up today? Is there someone you need to humbly submit to? Ask God to guide you as you extend grace and mercy to someone today.
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