James 4: 4b
Whoever wants to be a lover of the world makes himself an enemy of God.
I am usually a few months behind on seeing movies. Actually a few months is generous. It's usually a year or so. We finally watched The Greatest Showman on Sunday night. I loved it. The visuals were stunning and the music was great. I'd heard about all of that, but what I hadn't heard was how powerful the story is.
P.T. Barnum grows up poor and wants to give his wife a great life. He pursues that with every ounce of will and effort inside of him and he achieves it. But it's not enough. He can't see the beauty and gifts that are right in front of him - his wife, his daughters, his friendships and the motley crew he has put together for his great shows.
In the book of James, James is pointing the people in a better direction - want the things that God wants, not the things of this world. This is where you will find peace and joy. If you focus on the things of the world, you are turning your back on God - ignoring the life He has for you. How are you putting more value in the things others say are important than what God says is important. Think and pray about this - you might come to realize that you have the greatest show right in front of you too!
