God or the world?

I just read one of my email devotionals from Greg Laurie, and was somewhat surprised when I saw that it was based on a verse that had just touched me last night when I read it at Bible study. (Sometimes God throw things at you a couple times, and you start realizing that maybe you should pay attention. :) )

I just wanted to share the verse.

Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God?
Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
--James 4:4

This verse reminds me that I should not be surprised when people oppose my Christian value system or my Christian beliefs. It also reminds me that I need to be careful not to get pulled into the desires of the world: money, fame, possessions, and popularity, to name a few. I need to keep my eyes focused on God and HIS value system.

It was a very good reminder to have in the middle of preparing for a new house. I'm sad to say that I've found myself straying and focusing too much on possessions at times. It's time to refocus.