James 4:4-6: Cheating on God
Tuesday, November 8, 2022
You’re cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and his way. And do you suppose God doesn’t care?
God says: I care. I care more deeply than you can imagine. I care not so much because of my separation from you but because of your separation from me. When you are content to spend hours, days, weeks, months and years away from me, I long for you. When you decide to remain in me I am joyous. I find that I cannot stay away from you and even when you believe yourself to be alone, I am with you. I understand the attraction the world has for you. Bright lights, applause and adulation, a sense of power and control, comfort levels that eliminate the need to grow . . . all of this gives you a sense of eternity and omnipotence; yet these are temporary circumstances. The eternal gift of life and love I offer you is more transformative than any you can envision or create for yourselves. The power you wield when you live in me is greater than any you can foresee. Re-read James’ words and listen for my voice. Spend time with these words and allow my Spirit to settle deep within your bones.
We know that the world holds great allure that cannot equal the gifts God offers freely. Let us spend time with James today and listen for God’s loving message that will call us and keep us home.
Listen to Krista Tippet’s On Being interview with Wharton School’s professor of psychology Adam Grant, Successful Givers, Toxic Takers and the Life We Spend at Work. The episode begins with a discussion of his book: Give and Take: A Revolutionary Approach to Success. Listen at: https://onbeing.org/programs/adam-grant-successful-givers-toxic-takers-and-the-life-we-spend-at-work/
Is it right to ask tough questions that threaten the status quo? We have a chance to examine our own attitudes about giving when we listen to this interview.
Images from: https://cei.org/blog/a-billion-here-a-billion-there/ and http://www.benjamingran.com/2015/01/19/the-generosity-project-helping-people-find-jobs/
The Noontimes 
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