10 January

DAY 3 — Remove the Things That Compete with God

*Scripture:* James 4:8 (NIV) “Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”

*Focus Thought: Holiness requires intentional separation from sin.*

Drawing near to God is both a promise and a responsibility. God assures us that when we come near to Him, He will come near to us. But James also makes it clear that closeness with God requires a decisive response from our side—clean hands and pure hearts.

To be double-minded is to want God while still holding on to what competes with Him. Divided hearts weaken spiritual hunger and dull our sensitivity to God’s presence. Holiness calls us to choose—fully and intentionally—who and what we will live for.

Removing what competes with God is not about legalism; it is about love. When we eliminate habits, influences, or patterns that pull our hearts away, we create space for deeper intimacy with Him. Separation from sin is not loss—it is freedom.

God never asks us to let go of something without offering us something far greater: His nearness, His peace, and His transforming presence.

*Action for Today* Ask the Holy Spirit to show you one habit, influence, or pattern that competes with God in your life. Make a clear decision today to eliminate or distance yourself from it.

Pray: “Lord, I choose You above everything else.”

*Reflection Question*

What competes most with God for my attention?

*Prayer* Lord, I want to draw near to You with an undivided heart. Show me anything that pulls me away from You, and give me the grace to let it go. Clean my hands, purify my heart, and help me to choose holiness every day. Amen.

*Journal Prompt* What practical step can I take today to remove what competes with God in my life?