“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
(James 4:8)
Our God is alive and desires to dwell in our hearts. For Him to remain among us, it is important that we undergo a change of attitude. God cannot dwell in a heart that delights in falsehood or lives in sin. Therefore, we must turn away from sinful practices and devote ourselves in faith. The kingdom of God is taken hold of by those who press in and hold firmly to it (Matthew 11:12), and the first step is the cleansing of our hearts.
The apostle James shows us the importance of purifying our hearts in order to draw near to the Father. First, he tells sinners to cleanse their hands. This points to the need to examine our actions. We must turn our hands toward good works, ensuring that our actions align with what we believe.
Another key point is the importance of purifying our hearts. To purify the heart is to have steadfast faith in Christ. As we meditate on and listen to the Word of God, the impurities of doubt begin to fade away. As our faith is strengthened, our hearts become fully focused on Christ, leaving no room for a divided mind.
This change of attitude, as encouraged by the apostle, brings a powerful result: we draw near to God, and He draws near to us. He loves us and desires to be with us, but this transformation is necessary for us to be filled with His power.
Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you:
- Examine yourself and reflect on your testimony. Identify areas where you need a change of attitude.
- Seek the Lord in prayer. Ask for forgiveness for attitudes that do not come from Him.
- Read the Bible. This is the best way to strengthen your faith and purify your heart.
Prayer
Lord, I desire to draw closer to You. Shape my heart and remove doubt from my mind. I want to walk in Your ways and be transformed. I surrender my heart to You. Fill me with Your power and favor. In Jesus’ name, amen.
