James 1

For the last three months we have read about Paul and we have read Paul’s letters. There is no question that Paul had very high expectations for himself and for the followers of Jesus. He was unwavering in his appeal for the church to love God with all of their heart, soul, mind and strength. He also invited the church to go deep into the heart of God with their spirituality. If Paul was in the Marine Corp he would be the Chaplain.

James, on the other hand, if he was in the Marines, would be the Drill Instructor. James goes straight to the bottom line. The moral conduct of some people in the church was no different than the rest of their culture. James was concerned that these people may be deceiving themselves that they were in a right relationship with God.

John Wesley struggled with this same issue. He saw people seemingly doing the right things: going to church; placing money in the offering plate; singing the hymns; etc. But, like James, he also saw that the way these people were living was not much different than the world around them. Wesley concluded these people were holding to a form of religion, but that their religion lacked the power to change lives. James’ conclusion was very similar.

The Book of James is a lesson in practical Christianity and provides us an excellent opportunity to examine ourselves to see if we are seeking to have our lives changed through our faith in Jesus. James puts it this way:

“But don’t just listen to God’s word.

You must do what it says.

Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.”

(James 1:22)

What does today’s reading reveal to you about God?
What does it reveal to you about yourself?
Think about what God wants you to do or remember about this passage.

Does God want you to change anything in your life?