Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded (James 4:8).
James previously reminded his readers of the need to surrender their will to God’s will in the prior verse, James 4:7.
James now explains how to resist the devil. One must draw near to God and God will draw near to them. God made man as free moral agents; we all have a choice whether we draw close to God or stay far away from Him.
How does one draw near to God? We FIRST must cleanse our hands because we are sinners. Sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:1-2) and the only way we can be cleansed is in the blood of Jesus, having our sins washed away in baptism (Romans 6:1-6). SECOND, I am to purify my heart and refuse to be two faced in my life with Jesus. If I accomplish such a goal each day, I will be blessed and others around me will see Christ living in me and perhaps, give Him the glory (Matthew 5:13-16).
The book Meditations Of My Heart (from which this daily devotional is taken) is available / can be ordered from Sain Publications (931-363-6905 or email psain@sainpublications.com).