Focal Passage: James 1:19-27; 2:1-4
I loved to spend time looking in the mirror when I was growing up. One of my favorite things to do was dress up in my grandmother’s clothes, put on her jewelry and play in front of her mirror. I wanted to wear all the shiny and beautiful things she wore because I wanted my reflection to be just like hers.
Scripture calls us to take a careful look at our lives.
Are we reflecting the image of Christ in our words, deeds and attitudes toward others?
The grace we have been given in Christ requires a response from us.
Our faith must result in the setting aside of things that hinder us from being both hearers and doers of God’s Word.
As Christians, we are called to live out the truth of the gospel by ridding ourselves of anger and other things that are not of God.
Instead, we are to act on the things we learn from God’s Word.
James discusses several areas in our behavior toward others that exhibit a faithful response to the work of Christ in our lives. One of these ways is our speech. What we say is an indication of what is in our hearts.
James also points out that God has a heart for those who are needy and vulnerable.
Our actions toward them display either sincere faith in God or the lack of it.
Character traits of a believer in Christ include compassion, justice and care for the needy.
If our lives do not reflect growth in Christlikeness, it is safe to assume that we have become only hearers of God’s Word.
If we desire to be more like Jesus, we will act on what is revealed to us in scripture.
As we receive the implanted word (James 1:21) we begin to mirror God’s character in our lives.
We become those who are careful with our speech. We seek the fair treatment of others.
We become obedient followers of Jesus who care about what God cares about.