Was it just me, or did you read today’s passage and feel like it was highly appropriate for today and all that we see transpiring in the world around us? God’s word is timeless. It always says the right thing we need to hear. Do you trust it as a reliable guide for your life? I hope we can all agree we can certainly depend on the truth we find in the Bible.
There are plenty of skeptics turned believer out there with some great stories of their journey to faith. It doesn’t get old hearing about those transformations. Often, they share about how the Bible is real and reliable. It does us good to remind ourselves how precious God’s word is and why it is so important to listen to its wisdom. As James puts it, “humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.”
We’ve had a week of the theme, Listening to God’s Word. It’s important to not only listen but then respond. What your response looks like may be totally different from mine. The important thing is to move in some way, not just “be moved” and keep it all to yourself.
This can be a bit unnerving for the introvert who prefers a quiet and predictable way of life (totally over-simplifying). Truth be told, we are all a little shy to get out there and proclaim about our faith all the time. Some real fanatical types have kind of soured the pudding, so to speak, when it comes to wanting to “go public.” Right?
It’s only been recently for me that I’ve stepped a bit out of my comfort zone to publish my innermost thoughts and have conversations with strangers. I didn’t see that one coming!
Why is it so important to take action? “But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.” When we do what God’s word says, we are loving God and loving each other. That isn’t always easy to do. But it is what we are called to do—how we are to move!
Just a few verses later, reflect on what James tells us in James 2:14-26. A great question kicks off this section. “What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions?” Take a moment to pause and think on this question. How are you playing out your faith these days?
James holds ups Abraham as an example of faithfulness. He certainly was obedient to God! “You see, his faith and his actions worked together. His actions made his faith complete.” Made his faith complete! I like that. We can all work on being better sharers, I think.
There is a lot of great stuff for us in these two readings from James. I would encourage you to go back and read each of them again. This time, ask God to reveal something new to you this read through.
Let’s pray. Father God, you are magnificent in bringing your Word alive over and over again. There’s some important stuff in the reading today. Keep inspiring me each day. Use me to work your kingdom miracles here on earth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
