James wrote by THE SPIRIT in chapter 4:
6 But He gives us more and more grace [through the power of the Holy Spirit to defy sin and live an obedient life that reflects both our faith and our gratitude for our salvation]. Therefore, it says, “God is opposed to the proud and haughty, but [continually] gives [the gift of] grace to the humble [who turn away from self-righteousness].”
7 So submit to [the authority of] God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him] and he will flee from you.
8 Come close to God [with a contrite heart] and He will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; and purify your [unfaithful] hearts, you double-minded [people].
9 Be miserable and grieve and weep [over your sin]. Let your [foolish] laughter be turned to mourning and your [reckless] joy to gloom.
10 Humble yourselves [with an attitude of repentance and insignificance] in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you [He will lift you up, He will give you purpose]. AMPL
When we finally come to the realization that the only one we can totally trust with our life and future is Our Heavenly Father, we will draw closer to HIM and submit to HIS Ways. Until then, we will be unable to fill the void in our hearts and will attempt to fill it with all the wrong things. More money, houses, cars, technology, and other “toys” will not fulfill our quest for Love and peace in our lives. Those without Love and peace will try to force their path on us in an attempt to validate their own direction. The final result is that both parties walk in misery together.
As we draw closer to FATHER, the world’s priorities fall away into oblivion. A sure sign of drawing close to FATHER is realized when our priorities begin to change. It is written by THE SPIRIT in Ecclesiastes chapter 2:
1 I said to myself, “Come now, I will test you with pleasure and gratification; so enjoy yourself and have a good time.” But behold, this too was vanity (futility, meaninglessness).
2 I said of laughter, “It is madness,” and of pleasure, “What does it accomplish?”
3 I explored with my mind how to gratify myself with wine while [at the same time] having my mind remain steady and guide me wisely; and how to take control of foolishness, until I could see what was good for the sons of men to do under heaven all the days of their lives.
4 I made great works: I built houses for myself; I planted vineyards for myself;
5 I made gardens and orchards for myself and I planted in them all kinds of fruit trees;
6 I made pools of water for myself from which to water the forest and make the trees bud.
7 I bought male and female slaves and had slaves born in my house. I also possessed herds and flocks larger than any who preceded me in Jerusalem.
8 Also, I collected for myself silver and gold and the treasure of kings and provinces. I provided for myself male singers and female singers, and the delights and pleasures of men— many concubines.
9 So I became great and excelled more than all who preceded me in Jerusalem. My wisdom also remained with me.
10 Whatever my eyes looked at with desire I did not refuse them. I did not withhold from my heart any pleasure, for my heart was pleased because of all my labor; and this was my reward for all my labor.
11 Then I considered all which my hands had done and labored to do, and behold, all was vanity and chasing after the wind and there was no profit (nothing of lasting value) under the sun.
Solomon was the epitome of one who had everything the world had to offer yet in the end, it was all vanity and of no lasting profit. Only a close relationship with FATHER is everlasting and we should never lose that focus as we walk out each day. The trappings of the world will end up chasing the wind into nothingness. Love is never-ending.