There is a little phrase in the Book of James that has caught my attention. Perhaps it’s because I’ve been looking for something with the word “grace” in it. Or maybe even the fact that I’ve been searching for a good verse of Scripture from James to display in my home. Whatever the reason, I have found a line that has taken on new meaning for me.

“But he gives us more grace.” (James 4:6a – NIV)

If you are anything like me, you’re going “phew” right about now. Yeah, I need more grace because sometimes my life doesn’t exactly line up with the teachings of the Bible. And it’s in those moments when God gives me more grace.

Now just because I have the opportunity to receive more grace doesn’t mean that I have the right or should continue in sin. The Apostle Paul has a few things to say about that.

Paul also mentioned that grace abounds where sin resides in Romans 5:20b (NIV). “But where sin increased, grace increased all the more.” But Paul goes on to say, “What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?” (Romans 6:1-2 – NIV)

So how are we to live? James offers a five-step plan for us to follow.

“Submit yourselves, then, to God.” (James 4:7 – NIV)

Submission is a hard word for us to swallow. But in my study of submission through the years, it has become easier to understand and easier to implement into my life.

Everyone is under submission to someone. Some more than others. But being in submission to God, my Creator, is much easier knowing that submission assists in ridding my life of my sinful nature.

“Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7 – NIV)

You would think this one would be easy, but the devil knows exactly how to tempt me (see yesterday’s post). But let’s remember that although we are tempted, God makes a way for us to escape the tempter’s snare (1 Corinthians 13:10).

God is faithful and He will be with us as we resist the devil.

“Come near to God, and he will come near to you.” (James 4:8 – NIV)

Getting close to God only comes one way. Moving toward Him. To do so, we must build and grow our relationship with God. Bible study, prayer, and meditation all play a part of this precious courtship.

The result will be well worth the effort. Close proximity to God will never be suffocating or over-bearing. It will be refreshing and wonder-filled. And He will give more grace!

“Wash your hands, you sinners.” (James 4:8 – NIV)

I am a hand washer. Not a germophobic necessarily, but I don’t like to have dirty hands, especially in the kitchen. I understand this line.

When I am “dirtied” by the world or my sinful nature overtakes my spiritual common sense, I must wash my hands. Wash my hands of the filth of wickedness, the bacteria of sin, the sliminess of iniquity.

Clean hands prevent illness in our physical world and according to James, our spiritual world as well.

“Purify your hearts, you double-minded.” (James 4:8 – NIV)

Our hearts are to be single-minded according to James. Our hearts must belong to God completely. There isn’t room for two Lord’s on the throne of our hearts. Therefore, we must purify our hearts.

King David mentioned clean hands and a pure heart in Psalm 24:4-5 (NIV). Listen to his words. “He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. He will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God his Savior.”

The blessings we receive during this purification process are far more valuable than anything this world could offer. Anything!

Sounds easy doesn’t it? This five-step process. Of course we cannot do it alone. God’s Holy Spirit is with us to lead and guide us along the way. And when we slip up, God is always there to provide more grace.

I pray that your day will be blessed by drawing near to God. By asking His assistance in your most difficult situations. And especially by the abundance of grace that God lavishes upon each of us.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna