“So get rid
of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has
planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.” – James 1:21 New Living Translation
Jesus’ brother James was the leader of the
church established in Jerusalem. He had noticed hypocritical practices among
Jewish believers living in Gentile communities outside Palestine. This letter
was sent to teach correct godly behavior among the brethren.
If you’re anything like me you probably think you’re a pretty decent guy
or gal. You try to live a life that is pleasing to God and though you realize
you are not perfect you feel pretty comfortable with the way you are living
your life. One of the things believers may tend to do is compare themselves to
the wrong person. They compare themselves to fellow mortals rather than the
Lord of all mortals, Jesus Christ. If we really thought long and hard about our
conduct as compared to the conduct of Christ while he was on this earth we
might feel a little different about ourselves. This isn’t a post to depress or
discourage you, but rather to make you think. We need to continuously take
stock of our thoughts, words and actions to see if they line up with our Lord.
We are constantly under construction and we will be until we go to be with the
Lord. We need to realize that we will never arrive at perfection this side of
heaven. We must also realize that is no reason to stop trying. Life as a
Christian is a learning process that is perpetual; it never ends. During the
tough times we need to ‘strap ourselves to the mast’ of life and endure as the
Spirit enables. Difficulties will pass as God is always in the midst of them
with us. We aren’t asked to understand but to simply trust him.
If we allow the word of God to dig its roots deep down into the soil of
our soul we will be empowered to live a life that is pleasing to the Lord. If
we focus on Christ and emulate him we will be a blessing to those around us, as
they will see the Lord in us. That is our mission, to promote the gospel not
just with our words but also with our lives. If we don’t take the time to be a
light in this dark and dying world no one else will. It’s up to us. Until next
time, walk with the King and be a blessing!
Resource: The Life Application Study Bible.
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