Jump Start # 108

James 4:8 “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double minded.”

  This passage emphasizes the closeness and intimacy that God longs to have with each of us. James states a three-fold step in our relationship with God. We are to submit to God (v. 7) and that involves resisting the Devil (7). We are to draw near to God (8) and we are to humble ourselves in the presence of God (10).

  Our verse in many ways illustrates the return of the prodigal in Luke 15. As the irresponsible young man came home, his Father raced out to meet him. He drew near and His Father came to Him. God is like that. He longs for us to be with Him. He wants us to want Him. He is watching and waiting. He wants us to make a move toward Him.

  This concept also helps us to understand why some feel close to God and others do not. It may be that some aren’t “drawing near” to God. They may expect some electrifying or cosmic experience when they walk into a church building and it just doesn’t happen. The drawing near is a relationship experience. As in all relationships, time and communication is required. It doesn’t just magically happen. We can’t ignore the end of this verse either. James is written to Christians. But he is harsh here. He calls the brethren “sinners” and “double minded.” He tells them to cleanse their hands and to purify their hearts. Such language is shocking for us today. Understand, for four chapters James has been identifying serious spiritual problems among the Christians. They had faith issues. Their prayers lacked faith. They didn’t do as they believed. They played favorites among each other. Their mouths got them in trouble often. Their actions couldn’t convince many that they followed God. They were a mess.

  And with this verse James drives at what all of these problems are really about—and that is their relationship with God. It is possible to a Christian and not be close to God. It is possible to be a Christian who needs to purify himself. It is possible as a Christian that I need to submit and humble myself. Just being a Christian doesn’t fix all things! I need to continually walk with the Lord, check my attitudes and grow in faith.

  Have you ever noticed married couples at a restaurant? Some are engaged in conversations, talking, laughing and seem very close to each other. Others, just sit there, looking around waiting for the food. Their talk is shallow and superficial. They seem to run out of things to talk about? Now, how do you explain these two couples? Many things could be offered, but one obvious one seems to be that the first couple is very close to each other. The second couple are in love but they don’t seem close. Now isn’t it the same in our relationship with God? Some could talk about God and to God for hours. Others seem kind of shallow and superficial. The difference? The closeness to God.

  How do you get close to God? Draw near is what James says. How? It starts by thinking about God, especially more than thinking about yourself. Then read His word. This is where He reveals Himself, His will, His plans, and His heart. After that, you do things with God and that God likes, such as worship, such as teaching His will, such as being a light in a dark world.

  Draw near is  a simple solution to big problems, but it works. Have you tried getting closer to God? He’s waiting. He’s ready. It’ll change your life!

Roger