James 4: 7 -10 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

What does this say about us? I find it rather convicting that James is reminding church people that this life is lived best when we lose control, or more correctly when we give control to God. I have taught over the years that living life is a series of choices. Every choice has a consequence and reaction. Therefore it is important that we make right choices, choices the reflect God in our lives.

James gives us some important instructions for making this right choice. Let me highlight these words for you. I have added my insight for clarification.

Submit yourselves
Surrendering my desires to God so that He is in control

Resist the devil
Walking away from evil

Come to God
Trusting in His power and grace

Wash your hands
An image of being cleansed by the blood of Jesus

Change
An act of choice to follow after God

Humble yourselves
Realizing that we are not God

There is a promise contained in this passage. The promise is that when we live under God's control; one day, He will lift us up. I look forward to that day. Amen.