three examples of practicing the word…

james concludes this section with three examples of practicing the word.  he covers each of these in the rest of the book so we will be back to them.

james says, “one of the ways you can know that you are a doer of the word is you have a controlled mouth.”  james 1.26 (niv), those who consider themself religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. one of the ways you can know if you are a doer of the word is you have self-control over your words. 

…a caring heart.  verse 27a (niv), religion that our GOD and FATHER accepts as faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress.  i help the helpless.  social concern, a caring heart.

…a clean mind. verse 27b to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.  spiritual integrity. 

that is genuine CHRISTianity. 

what is james saying to us?  he’s saying, “what are you going to do about what you already know?”  what are you going to do about it?  maybe some of you need to decide to start preparing better for worship on sunday.  get up a little earlier so you’re not so rushed and coming in late halfway through the songs.   sit down for the whole service,  tune in to GOD and get calm and collected and then you’re quiet and ready.  you can then say, “LORD, here i am. teach me, so i can be blessed by GOD’s word.” 

maybe some of you need to say, “i’m going to read through the bible this year.” about five chapters a day and you’ll go through the bible in a year.  “i’m going to start memorizing scripture.  i’ll pick a verse a week and hide GOD's word in my heart.”  it’s a condition for answered prayer.  john 15.7 (niv) if you abide [continue] in ME and my word abides in you, you can ask whatever you will and it will be done for you.  the word of GOD in your heart is a condition for answered prayer.  “i need to find a place of ministry where i can get involved.”  the article in the orange country register said that all these people believe but less than one-third ever devote any time for ministry.  impression without expression leads to depression.  if you’re always taking in, one study after another, and never get out in ministry, it’s going to dry up your spiritual life.

just a thought from the front porch…