Bryant Wright, Founder
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” James 4:8a
Have you ever noticed that the most miserable people are not always those far from God? Often, the most miserable person is the believer who is trying to live with divided loyalties.
James describes this struggle as “double-mindedness” (James 4:8). It is the battle between wanting to follow Christ while also wanting to hold on to the values and desires of the world. Every Christian knows something about that war within. We want God’s will, yet we are tempted to pursue our own. We want Christ to lead us, yet we resist surrendering control.
The Apostle Paul understood this struggle when he wrote, “For the good that I want, I do not do.” (Romans 7:18-19) The presence of that conflict does not mean you are a failure. In fact, it is evidence that God’s Spirit is at work in your life. But when we continually choose our own way over God’s way, we find ourselves frustrated, restless, and spiritually exhausted.
The good news is that God does not abandon us in our double-mindedness. James reminds us that God gives “greater grace.” (James 4:6) When we humble ourselves before Him, confess our sin, and draw near to Him, He responds with forgiveness and restoration.
Perhaps today you are carrying the weight of divided affections. Maybe you have been trying to follow Christ while still clinging to something that has taken His rightful place in your heart. Bring it before the Lord. Confess it honestly. Surrender it completely.
God’s desire is not that you live in spiritual turmoil. He desires that you experience the joy and peace that come from wholehearted devotion to Him.
DIG DEEPER
Read “Surrender – What Does it Mean?” also by Bryant Wright
