Thursday, 12th October, 2017

James 1:19-27 (NKJV)

So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath; 20for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. 21Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. 22But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.25But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does. 26If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one’s religion is useless. 27Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

Many today claim to know the word of God, but find it too hard to relate to the mind of God and apply it to their daily Christian life. Why? It is because they hear the word of God as it comes but fail to put to practise. These deceive themselves. They paint a different picture of what they really are. We see them preach the word but do not live it out. They exchange with others the sign of peace but are really not at peace with themselves. They can recite the Scriptures but are unable to maintain a dynamic relationship with God.

In the Church today, many have faith but, unfortunately, have no good works to prove it. They hear from God but do not act on the word that reveals God’s will. They wander about, perplexed, and unfulfilled. They appear helpless and lost on the way. How then can we overcome this prevailing unchristian attitude? In verse 22, James charged us to (1) lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, (2) and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save our souls and (3) verse 25 he continued, he who delves into the perfect law, fearfully meditates upon it day and night, diligently does whatever it says, he shall be blessed in that he does.

PRAYER:  Cause us to act upon your word we read, study mark and digest so that we might maintain a good relationship with You and fellowmen, O God.