The Study of James: Chapter1:19-27

July 23, 2009

~Denise Grant

 

James 1:19-20 – “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.” When we talk too much and listen too little, we communicate to others that we think our ideas and what we have to say, are much more important than theirs. James wisely counsels us to reverse this process. Try putting a mental stopwatch on your conversations and keep track of how much you talk and how much you listen. Do others feel that their viewpoints and ideas have value? (Ouch – that hurt! My toes were trampled – how about yours?)

 

James 1:21 – “Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the world planted in you, which can save you.” When our egos are bruised – we often lose our temper; exploding in anger. “They hurt my feelings!”; “My opinions are not being heard”; “Who gives a flying flip about me?” Petty nonsense! Forgive and move on! It’s not all about you, nor is it eternal. However, when injustice and sin occur in our world, we should become angry – especially, if others are being hurt.  But how silly is it to become angry when we fail to win an argument, and when we feel neglected or when others don’t do as we desire? Selfish anger never assists anyone.

 

James 1:22-24 – “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.” It’s important to know what God’s Word says, but it’s much more important to do what it says. The effectiveness of our Bible study time can be measured by the effect it has on our behavior and attitude. Is your time alone with God changing you? I mean really changing you? Can others see a difference in you since giving your life to Christ?  Does He see a transformation?

 

James 1:25  - “But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it – he will be blessed in what he does.” God’s law is present to point out sin in our lives and give us the opportunity to ask His forgiveness – “What shall we say, then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! Indeed I would not have known what sin was except through the law. For I would not have known what coveting really was if the law had not said, ‘Do not covet.’ But sin, seizing the opportunity afforded by the commandment, produced in me every kind of covetous desire. For apart from law, sin is dead.” Romans 7:7-8. Christians are saved by God’s grace. Salvation could not live otherwise. As a believer, you are free to live as you should (as God created all of us to live). Of course, this does not mean that you are free to do as you please – “Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.” 1 Peter 2:16.

 

James 1:26-27 – “If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” In earlier centuries, orphans and widows had very few means of economic support. Few had trade or industry. Unless a family member was willing to care for them, they were reduced to begging on the streets, selling themselves as slaves, or starving. By caring for these powerless people, the church put God’s Word into practice. Giving with no hope of receiving in return, they showed what it means to serve others. This is what Jesus expects of all true believers. So, how about you? What do you do out of the sheer kindness of your heart to spread God’s love to others? You are His hands and feet. Sometimes, it’s as simple as being gracious to others; having a nice word to say to someone – and sport a smile on your face! It’s helping others.. It’s giving unselfishly. It’s unadulterated boldness. For my husband, it’s practicing the art of speaking nicely to the person through the speaker in drive-thru at McDonalds. It’s opening doors for strangers. Letting someone with lesser items, get in front of you at the grocery store. It’s a nice gesture to some who may not really deserve one. Giving up something you happen to like, because someone else likes it too. It’s losing selfish pride and sharing willingly. It loves others as Christ loves you.

 

     Our world is heavily polluted with pure evil, manifested in movies, tainted television and immoral language. It’s infected with gangs, violence and drugs; contaminated by sinful street corners; grimy government with dirty dollars.

As Christians – we’re simply not of this world. Let’s work together to change what we can - with God’s help - and convert as many as time and opportunity affords, while bidding time until Christ returns for us, His church.

 

     Don’t let the world convert you. Your home is in heaven – don’t miss it, for the world.

 

Heavenly Father,

 

     Mute our mouths and minds when You need us to listen to You and others. Teach us to be slow to anger; knowing good never follows a fuming fury.  Help us focus on Your Word, purpose and plan for our lives. And as we prepare to do Your work in this world, go before us and make a way where there is no way. Place us where we can be most effective for Your glory. Our prayer is that this world always sees You in everything we do and say. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Denise Grant - Just "clay" in the Master Potter's hands.

 

The man who walks with God always gets to his destination.

If you have a  pulse you have a purpose.