Friendship with the World vs. Friendship with God: Pursuing God’s Kingdom Over Worldly Desires

Have you ever felt torn between living for God and chasing after the world’s approval? James doesn’t sugarcoat the reality of this struggle. He boldly tells us that friendship with the world puts us at odds with God. That’s a strong statement! But what does it mean? Is James saying we should completely separate from society? Not at all. He’s warning us against prioritizing worldly desires over pursuing God’s kingdom.

As we continue our Faith in Action – Walking Through James journey, today’s passage challenges us to examine our true allegiance and seek a deeper, more intimate relationship with God.

“You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore, whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Or do you suppose it is to no purpose that the Scripture says, ‘He yearns jealously over the spirit that He has made to dwell in us’? But He gives more grace. Therefore it says, ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'”
—James 4:4-6 (ESV)

We cannot love God and the world’s values simultaneously. True friendship with God requires pursuing His kingdom over worldly desires.

James uses strong language when he calls his readers “adulterous people.” Why? Because turning to the world’s ways instead of God’s is like spiritual unfaithfulness.

1. What Does It Mean to Be a Friend of the World?

James isn’t talking about avoiding friendships with non-believers or disengaging from society. Instead, he’s referring to a heart that prioritizes worldly desires over God’s will.

Friendship with the world looks like this:

• Chasing after wealth, status, or approval more than seeking God.
• Compromising biblical values to fit in with cultural norms.
• Letting pride, selfish ambition, or pleasure take priority over God’s kingdom.

We drift away from God’s truth when we become too comfortable with the world’s system. James warns that this creates enmity with God—a sobering reality that should make us reexamine where our affections lie.

2. God’s Jealous Love for Us

James reminds us that God “yearns jealously” over us.

• This isn’t human jealousy—it’s a holy longing for us to remain faithful to Him.
• Just as a loving spouse desires faithfulness in marriage, God desires our undivided devotion.
• When we chase after the world, we grieve the heart of God, who longs for an intimate relationship with us.

3. The Remedy: Humility and God’s Grace

Thankfully, James doesn’t leave us without hope. He reminds us of an incredible truth:

• “But He gives more grace.” No matter how often we’ve compromised, God’s grace is greater.
• “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” If we humble ourselves, God will always draw us back to Him.

Pursuing friendship with God means choosing:

• Obedience over compromise.
• God’s approval over the world’s applause.
• Humility over pride.

And when we fail? There is grace. God invites us to repent, turn back, and walk in friendship with Him again.

How Do We Pursue Friendship with God Over the World?

• Evaluate your priorities. What do you spend the most time and energy pursuing?
• Surrender daily. Pray for the strength to resist worldly temptations.
• Walk in humility. Ask God to shape your heart to desire Him above all else.

Action Step:

• Identify one area where the world’s influence has distracted you from fully pursuing God.
• Pray for a renewed heart that seeks after God’s kingdom above all else.
• Make one change today to align your priorities with God’s will.

“The closer you walk with God, the less room there is for anything to come between you.”
—Unknown

Have you ever had to let go of something worldly to pursue a deeper relationship with God? Share your testimony in the comments!

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Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I don’t want to be a friend of the world at the cost of my relationship with You. Forgive me for the times I have prioritized worldly desires over Your kingdom. Give me a heart that seeks You above all else. Help me to walk in humility and receive Your grace daily. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Chad 

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