Undivided Attention

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. – James 1:5-6

James doesn’t mess around when it comes to delivering important teachings. Very early in the chapter, barely past the introduction, James delivers this heard-hitting message: you can ask God, but be sure you’re doing it with the right frame of mind.

When I think about asking for wisdom, I immediately think of Solomon. In 2 Chronicles Solomon makes a sacrifice so pleasing to God that he appears to Solomon and asks, “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you! (1:7)” He could have chosen anything, from unfathomable riches to fame reaching the ends of the earth, but instead he asks for wisdom and the knowledge to be a good leader. And God grants him wisdom, and as reward for his humility he also grants Solomon riches, fame, and wealth. 

But it wasn’t because of his humility that God granted him his wisdom, though – it was because he worshiped God, and was dedicated to him. James reiterates this. God can – and will – grant his children the things they ask for, if they ask it with great faith in Him.

Be sure and unwavering in your faith – and only when you are completely dedicated to God, rather than your wants, will God grant you the things your heart desires most.