James 1:22
O: I love the book of James-not to be pharisaical by works, but to be reminded that true faith is expressed by action. Not that every action validates our faith, but it is without a doubt that those who hear the word will take one of two routes: to obey or disobey.
We may hear that we ought to love God and others. Perhaps we may even recite to others that we should. We could go so far as to preach it far across the ends of the earth-but unless our life itself expresses an obedience to the word, it would be deception to think our supposed faith is faith at all.
Of course, I would immediately condemn myself and many others if a constant or immediate obedience were necessary-we are, after all, those who have "fallen short of the glory of God" and in many a case, it may be that we are in need of a continuing sanctification or discipline from God to bring forth an obedience to his word.
Anyhow, this is a great verse - we cannot sit still as if the word explicitly states we should do something. To love, preach, pray, sing, whatever-it's there, and we need to be a people of faith accompanied by action.
A: Will I ignore how the Spirit leads the next time I reach the fork in the road? Will the reminder of God's command to love be present and fruitful when I myself am found in bitterness towards my fellows? I hope and pray that I may be a doer of what God commands because I see that his perfect law is lovely.
P:
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