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NASB | James 4:4 You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | James 4:4 You adulteresses [disloyal sinners--flirting with the world and breaking your vow to God]! Do you not know that being the world's friend [that is, loving the things of the world] is being God's enemy? So whoever chooses to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. |
Bible Question:
Greetings Scribe - I am reminded of the passage, "For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing;to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life. And who is adequate for these things?" 2 Cor 2:15-16. I appreciate your encouragement to walk in the Light and remain devoted to Christ (which will result in holiness as Christ lives through me), However I struggle a bit with the directive you suggest that I "reproove their deeds by my lifestyle." This, in my opinion, may result in a "holier than thou attitude" that some believers exhibit in response to those who do not know Christ (as well as to other believers who do not measure up to their standard of "holy living!") See Ex 34:30 - perhaps when others perceive that we have "been with the Lord," they too respond in fear which is manifest in behaviors that we misinterpret personally. As the Lord said to Samuel when Israel asked for a king, "for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me from being king over them." 1 Sam 8:7 What might be some causes of a "holier than thou" attitude toward others who are in rebellion? How do we guard against this? mommapbs |
Bible Answer: Hi mommapbs: "However I struggle a bit with the directive you suggest that I "reproove their deeds by my lifestyle." " I appreciate the message as believers do often demonstrate this unholy attitude. But I do not believe it comes from living a holy lifestyle, but rather an attitude of legalism and comparing themselves with others. Often when believers will not participate in unholy behaviour, they are accused of having a 'holier than thou' attitude when in reality they are just being obedient and faithful. The prideful heart causes this attitude, but most believers are not operating in pride even though they may be accused of doing so. Ephesians 5:11 Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; Our lifestyle of holiness will cause conviction by revealing God's true will to the lost or disobedinet believers. I personally believe this accusation comes from disobedient believers than from the lost world. God bless |