“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God. 

James 4:7, 8

Resist the devil, confront him or run from him, all in the spirit of humility, and then come near to God. James is so practical and real in his teaching.  He is so simple, run away from the devil and come near to God.  Is there a simpler way?  I think not.  Can not all Christian ethics be wrapped in this admonition, run from evil and embrace Jesus?  That is how we stay near to God.

James is a practical as can be.  Yet, as simple and real.  He sees the battle raging as Satan tries to not only hold his own followers in his embrace but is determined to bring back believers to abandon God and follow him.  When we view life in this way everything falls into place.

At the heart of James’ teaching is not just fleeing from Satan, but even more important, rushing into the arms of Jesus, our eternal refuge.  Both are important!

I begin this week with this Scripture ringing in my ear, submit to God and run from the Devil.  Can it get simpler than that?  Lord, I understand, now give me the strength and grace to obey!