In the opening verses of the fourth chapter of the Book of James, we're encouraged to avoid lust and immorality. James' emphasis on moral living and obedience to commandments have caused some, like the Protestant Reformer, Martin Luther, to express concern about whether or not James believed in a "works-based salvation." Of course, James was not anti-grace, nor did he believe one could save oneself. However, James did believe that graced did not come "cheap" to Christ and, thus, it shouldn't come "cheaply" to us.

To understand our verse for today, it might be helpful to quote the words that preceded today's verse. James wrote: "Obey God. Stand up to the devil. He will run away from you. Come near to God, and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners. Make your hearts pure, you who can't make up your minds." (James 4:7-8)

James is teaching us how to escape the power of the devil in our lives. He tells us that if we will choose to be "obedient" to Christ's commandments, we are (in effect) standing up against the devil—and James promises that that will frighten Satan, and he will run from us. To "come near to God" is to live a holy life—to, spiritually speaking—have "clean hands and a pure heart" (Psalms 24:4). And so, James warns those who can't make up their minds, who seem to want wants good and want what's evil, at the same time, that the devil will continue to attack you and defeat you until you stand up to him by giving into Christ.