Drink Devotional Method: The Danger of Worldly Desires (James 4)

The Danger of Worldly Desires

Today, we turn to James chapter 4 and discover the sobering truth about the danger of worldly desires. This chapter confronts the pride and misplaced affections that often draw us away from God and reminds us of the grace He gives to those who humbly return to Him.

D – Devotional Reading

James 4 (KJV)

1. From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?

2. Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.

3. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

4. Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.

5. Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?

6. But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

7. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

8. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

9. Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.

10. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

11. Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.

12. There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?

13. Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:

14. Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

15. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.

16. But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.

17. Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

R – Reflection

This chapter exposes a painful but honest truth: the danger of worldly desires lies at the heart of our conflicts, frustrations, and separation from God. When I chase after worldly pleasures, I often feel more anxious, dissatisfied, and distant from the Lord. James calls this friendship with the world, and it makes us enemies of God.

I realize that the more I cling to the things of this world—status, possessions, approval—the more I resist the transforming work of grace. These are not harmless ambitions; they reveal the danger of worldly desires that pull me away from wholehearted devotion to Christ. But praise God, verse 6 reminds me: He giveth more grace. What a powerful encouragement! Even when I’ve wandered, His grace abounds.

God’s invitation is clear: submit to Him, resist the devil, draw near. These commands aren't burdens—they’re the way back to peace, purity, and purpose. Life is a vapor, and I don’t want to waste it chasing the wind.

I – Instruction

James 4 teaches that pride, selfish ambition, and the danger of worldly desires threaten our walk with God. These desires distort our motives and draw us away from His grace. Instead, we must choose humility, submission, and obedience to God's will. When we humble ourselves before the Lord, He lifts us up. He calls us to cleanse our lives, turn from sin, and live with the awareness that life is fleeting.

N – Now Live It

Today, I will examine my motives and desires. I will ask myself: Is this drawing me closer to Christ—or closer to the world? I recognize the danger of worldly desires and refuse to let them shape my choices or steal my devotion. I commit to resisting the lies of the enemy and instead submitting to God’s leadership in all areas of my life. I will approach every plan and decision with this mindset: If the Lord will… Let my life reflect full surrender to Him.

K – Kneel in Prayer

Heavenly Father, I come before You acknowledging how often my heart is pulled toward the things of this world. I confess the danger of worldly desires that creep into my thoughts and decisions. Forgive me for my selfish motives, my pride, and my striving apart from You. Teach me to submit to Your will and to resist the enemy’s influence in my life. Help me draw near to You, cleanse my heart, and live each day in humble dependence. Let my words, plans, and actions glorify You, knowing that my life is but a vapor. I trust You to lift me up in due time. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

You may also read our James 3 Devotional.

🌿 About the DRINK Devotional Method

The DRINK Devotional Method is a structured personal devotional approach designed to help believers engage with Scripture to intentionally walk and grow daily with Christ.

• D – Devotional Reading: Read the selected Bible passage slowly and reverently (preferably at least 1 chapter).

• R – Reflection: Meditate on the truths revealed and how they apply to our walk with God.

• I – Instruction: Identify key lessons, commands, or promises to follow or hold onto.

• N – Now Live It: Commit to a specific action or change based on what God has shown to you to day.

• K – Kneel in Prayer: Close with a sincere prayer, asking the Lord Jesus Christ for grace to live out His Word.

Whether you're just starting a daily devotional habit or seeking a more meaningful Christian devotional routine, DRINK offers a simple yet powerful guide to draw closer to God and let His Word shape your life.

You may also read my Daily Devotions here.

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