The battle of pride vs. humility is a recurring theme in the Scriptures. We see it in today’s readings from James 4 and Mark 9. St. James reminds us that “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” And Jesus says, “If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all.”
St. James also warns about being a “lover of the world.” He says, “Do you not know that tot be a lover of the world means enmity with God?” So why is it so wrong to love the world? I mean, mountains, trees, rivers, flowers, animals – I love all those things! What are we to think?
Of course, St. James and the other biblical writers didn’t mean this when referring to “the world.” It’s perfectly fine to love the things God has created. “The world” refers to things not created by God, like inordinate attachments to material things, sex, riches, power, money, fame – the list goes on and on. These are the things that cause enmity with God. What is enmity? According to Dictionary.com, it is "a feeling or condition of hostility; hatred; ill will; animosity; antagonism." I don't know about you, but I never want enmity with God. So let's make sure we're not lovers of the world.
Father, we choose to belong to you, and to your Kingdom. Help us not to be a lover of the world. Amen.
Me neither Gus – especially when one looks at:
“Easton’s Bible Dictionary defines “enmity” as deep-rooted hatred."
I have seen people with such a hatred for Him, and it is not very pretty.