We open the first half of this chapter in verses 1 through 8 with a challenge to examine ourselves--the heart of who we are--in relation to whom we choose to show partiality, and more so, the condition of our heart to judge others. So many times, we, as Christians, recite the famous words of John 3:16: "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten son." You can find that on many poster boards in various sporting events. Unfortunately, we forget the follow-up context to that statement in verse 17 where we are told, "For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world." It is easy, because of our human nature, to cast judgment because of sin, but it is imperative that we strive to align ourselves with the gospel, so much so, that we allow the Lord to begin working in us to see others the way He sees them--by the heart, as we are told in 1 Samuel, chapter 16, verse 7. The Lord God does not expose our sin to judge us--but to reveal to us where we are broken--so we can repent and splendor in the grace offered by the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus. The example provided by James is one of a multitude of occasions where we can represent our faith by choosing to see people as the Lord God sees them, not by what they seem to have, or by what they seem to be able to provide us in return for showing favoritism.
James leaves us with a reminder in verses 9 through 13, that should we examine our own hearts, and remember that Jesus died on the cross while we were yet sinners (Romans, chapter 5, verse 8). How can we judge others if all sin is equal in the eyes of the Lord? Jesus did not take the cross for variations of sin--but for all sin, and all people--once (Romans 6:10).
In the second half of this chapter in verses 14 through 26, we get a major call to action--pun intended! Here James outlines very clearly and numerous times that our faith should not exist solely in our mind, or in our words--but in our actions or deeds. Faith is comprised of more than just those two elements (thoughts and words) but it is triune--threefold: belief in the mind--by the words of our mouth--and by the actions we take. It is not enough to say we believe in something--if there is no action to justify it. It is not enough to profess to know of, or believe in, the Lord Jesus--without evidence to support that belief. We who are called are chosen, and we all have the same message to share--to believe in our hearts (belief), confess with our mouths (words) and share the gospel message with others (action), making disciples (action) and pursuing the heart of the Lord in prayer (action), reading the word (action), and studying the scriptures (action). Those elements combined are what set us apart from the very demons and principalities that are aware of God's existence (belief) and even reference Him in speech (words).
I pray you step out the boat and pursue the Lord in uncharted waters--answering His call and acting on faith in the good works He has called you to.
Be a light to the world around you.
Bobby Ozuna
3 comments:
Bobby I was blown away by this write up. It also convicted me to look at myself and continue to being a work in progress so I can be a light to others I encounter.
Thank you. I'd like to offer some encouragement--remember, our conviction as Christians isn't meant to hurt us--but draw us closer to Christ, understanding, we don't live under the condemnation of shame and guilt--but under the freedom paid on the cross. That's the beauty of a godly conviction--it isn't punishment--but enlightenment to face our sin struggles, knowing, through Christ, we have victory. Thank you for sharing.
I'd also encourage you to download the free study guides; I have 2 study guides on the Epistle of James, chapters 1 and 2 (chapter 3 is in progress). Download them and spend some time everyday, going through the questions. Share them with your family and friends. Also, if you feel compelled, I am taking donations in my GoFundMe to publish them as printed workbooks; for now, you can download them and work off a phone or computer or print them. Make sure you have a journal standing by.
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