Friend of the world are the enemy of God.

This is a sobering and powerful truth, clearly stated in the book of James. It speaks to the ultimate incompatibility of a life devoted to God and a life chasing the values of a fallen world.

Here is a poem and reflection on James 4:4.

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Friend of the World

You cannot hold two masters' hands,

Or serve two different,warring lands.

You cannot love both light and night,

And think you're walking in the truth.

The line is drawn, the choice is clear,

Though painful to the human ear.

For God will not be one of many,

His throne is not shared with any.

“You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.” (James 4:4)

A friend of the world embraces its sway,

Its pride,its lust, its fleeting way.

Its system built on"self" and "more,"

That ignores the One we should adore.

It loves the praise that comes from man,

More than the divine,eternal plan.

It seeks the comfort,shuns the cross,

And counts all other gain as loss.

To be the world's friend is to take a stand,

With a system that rejects God's hand.

It is to be at peace with that,

Which nailed God's Son onto a mat.

But oh, the love of God is deep,

A vigil for His wayward sheep.

This warning is a jarring grace,

To turn us back,to seek His face.

The call is not to hate the earth,

Or mock the things of human worth.

But to reject the sinful sway,

That leads the human heart astray.

So search my heart, O God, and see,

If there is any part of me

That loves the world,its praise, its charm,

More than Your everlasting arm.

“Do not love the world or anything in the world.

If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.”(1 John 2:15)

Draw me, Lord, to be Your friend,

On You alone,let me depend.

A friend of God,though scorned by all,

To stand with You,and hear Your call.

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Understanding the Conflict:

This strong language from James highlights a fundamental spiritual reality:

1. Spiritual Adultery: The relationship between God and His people is often described as a marriage. Chasing after the world's values is like a spouse being unfaithful—it breaks the primary covenant relationship.

2. Two Opposing Systems: The "world" in this context refers not to the planet or people, but to the system of values, morals, and priorities that are opposed to God's rule. It is characterized by pride, sensual pleasure, and materialism (1 John 2:16).

3. Enmity, Not Neutrality: There is no neutral ground. To be a "friend" of this system is to align yourself with what is in active rebellion against God, making you His "enemy" by association and allegiance.

4. A Call to Singular Devotion: God is a jealous God (Exodus 20:5), not in a petty way, but in a righteous and protective way. He deserves and demands our whole-hearted love and loyalty.

A Prayer for Loyalty:

"Lord God, this is a hard truth. Search my heart and show me where I have tried to be a friend to the world. Reveal any love for its praise, its comforts, or its values that has taken Your place in my heart.

I repent. Forgive me for my divided allegiance. I do not want to be Your enemy. I choose today to be Your friend.

Break the power of the world's allure in my life. Help me to love what You love and hate what You hate. Draw me into a deeper, more loyal friendship with You, that I might live solely for Your approval and Your kingdom.

In the name of Jesus, the true and faithful friend of sinners, Amen."