Trekking through the Scriptures is an adventure. Feel free to comment here, or email me personally.

Friday, September 30, 2011

James 4:1-3

"Where do wars and fights come from among you?  Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?  You lust and do not have, You murder and covet and cannot obtain.  You fight and war.  Yet you do not have because you do not ask.  You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures."
                      
                                         frustrated or fulfilled desire?
There are some things in life that are worth fighting for, but even in those situations, we should be demonstrating Christian behavior and fruits;   love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. (Gal.5:22)  However, I have witnessed very few battles fought in this way.  How about you?
When our daughter was two she was very upset and explained, “I just want what I want”.  That sums up very well the root of many conflicts.  When our primary interest is what we want, and what we want is what someone else has or what someone else does not want to do, we run into conflict.  Unfortunately, as Christians, we then often come about the whole thing from a negative perspective of “do not”.  We start feeling deprived of something we perceive as good, and we begin to see God as the withholder of good things.  We fall into a mindset of believing that the things we want will make us happier than God can make us:  then we deal with lusts, coveting, fighting and quarreling—we see the effects of a frustrated desire.  We believe there are all these good, fun things out there, but God does not want us to have the enjoyment of them.  We act like He just wants to lay upon us rules and regulations.   And since rules and regulations do not captivate our heart, we sometimes feel stuck trying to obey with whatever will power we may have. 
Why do we keep striving like this?  I like how S.J.Hill puts it:
“People buy into the false premise that sin will make them happier than God can.  Even though this is a lie, how many individuals honestly believe that obedience will bring a greater pleasure in their lives than sin ever could?  If they really believed it, they wouldn’t want to sin. …people settle for far too little pleasure.  They go after other lovers and lesser joys that can only give them momentary satisfaction.  The things that quickly thrill them just as quickly disappoint them.  They discover all too late that they’ve become entangled in a web of destructive behavior.”[1]
                Take a look at any recent conflicts you have had.  Can you find the root of the conflict?  Was it more about a viewpoint? If so, what was the attitude behind the words?  Or was it more about the feeling, “I want what I want”?  What He has and wants and shares with you is even better!
Read and Pray:  Psalm 36:7-9, Luke 12:31-32, Eph.1:3-6



[1] S.J.Hill, Enjoying God, (Lake Mary, FL, Relevant Books 2001) p.101-102

Thursday, September 29, 2011

James 3:17-18

"But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.  And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace." 
                              finding peace
What freedom and beauty there is in the renewed person who accepts correction, seeks the righteousness of God, and has a clarity and grace for themselves as well as for others.  This is the person who has knowledge guided by standing under [understanding] the Lordship of Jesus Christ. This is the person, who, when asked for counsel will give a response that is:
·          Pure – moral blamelessness
·          Peaceable
·          Gentle
·          Willing to yield – open to reason
·          Full of mercy
·          Full of good fruits
·          Without partiality
·          Without hypocrisy - sincere
These characteristics mark “wisdom from above”.  They reach beyond self, over to our neighbor, above what is necessary, and into God’s own heart.   Can you think of any safer, more satisfying state than that in which you love and are loved very, very well?  
Wisdom is not about the ‘right words’, it is what motivates right living.  Take stock of the wisdom in your life, would it be characterized by the list above?  In an atmosphere of peace with God and peace with others, righteousness can grow.   Today, may you “be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made know to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Phil.4:6-7)  Peace.
Read and Pray:  Prov. 18:15, Matthew 10:16, Ephesians 1:17-19


Wednesday, September 28, 2011

James 3:14-16

                                God honors your will      
                If we arrogantly assume and claim to have wisdom, that in itself denies the presence of wisdom.  Yet in James’ day, as well as our own, the surrounding culture does not value humble, servile attitudes.  The wisdom of the world is perhaps “clever” in response and appearance, but carries with it some rather unsavory characteristics:
·          bitter envy / jealousy
·          self-seeking / selfish ambition
·          confusion
·          evil things
·          lies
·          boasting
If we are motivated by self-seeking and envy, it is likely that our ‘wisdom’ is temporal, sensual and demonic, often bringing about confusion, and more evil.  But could a Christian really be guilty of operating this way?  You bet.  If we choose to walk according to our own desires, with our own limited knowledge and experience, we can expect to operate in a brand of wisdom limited to our own temporal interests, heading away from, rather than toward God.  He honors our will.  If we want to forge ahead driven by self we are free to do so.
                Take a look at any recent decisions you have made.  Was the decision characterized by the points above?  Do you sense a need for change?  If you identify a little too closely with these points, you may be noticing that egocentric, selfish attitudes lead to evil practices.   If you want to walk more in the wisdom of God, begin with a reverence for the One who can destroy not only your body, but also your soul.  Ask yourself these questions:
1.         How might God view this situation?
2.         How will my decision affect my relationship with God?
3.        How will my decision affect my relationships with other people?
4.        How can I best love God in this situation?
5.        How can I best love others in this situation?[1]
Make these your first questions regarding a decision, and let your heart’s desire be to love well.  In this frame of mind you can confidently ask God for wisdom and He will give it liberally and without reproach!  He knows your frame and your weakness.  And He honors your will.
Read and Pray: Prov. 18:1, Ephesians 4:17-23, Prov. 15:32, Luke 24:45




[1] Thanks to Barb Raveling for the questions.  See barb.raveling@gmail.com for more.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

James 3:13

                                          wise and understanding
                Here James presents a challenge:  What is wisdom?  Do you have it?  It may be hard to really put our finger on what wisdom is, but we can see some things it does for the one who has it:
·         gives happiness  (Proverbs 3:13)
·         keeps, preserves, promotes, honors (Proverbs 4:5-10)
·         preserves discretion and knowledge (Proverbs 5:1-2)
·         gives life (Ecclesiastes 7:12)
·         strengthens (Ecclesiastes 7:19)
·         insures stability (Isaiah 33:6)
Rather than exalting ourselves or explaining what wisdom we have, we can simply live.  If wisdom is operating in us, it will be evident in our good conduct, in our works, and in our humility.  (Keep in mind, wisdom and pride do not cohabitate!)
Are you lacking the results of wisdom in your life?   Perhaps you are in need of more wisdom.  How will you acquire it?  When Jesus was telling His disciples of the future course of events, it was sounding pretty bleak in a lot of ways.  Yet He inserts the hope:  He said these difficult times would also be opportunities, and He said He will “give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to contradict or resist.” (Matt.21:15)  Jesus gives wisdom.  
It has been said that ‘understanding’ is knowing things in their right relationship.  A way to remember that might be “standing-under” truth. Jesus gives understanding (a place to stand under His forgiveness and authority – a right relationship), so that we may know and have a good relationship with God and with other people.  This wisdom operates in a meekness, or humility, which keeps in perspective our own unworthiness before the Creator of the Universe, and values the preciousness of other people.
Read and Pray:   1 John 5:20, Proverbs 9:10, Psalm 111


Monday, September 26, 2011

James 3:9-12

                                                        cut the cursing
          In verses 2-8 James laid out the tremendous potential for good or evil in the use of language.  Now the stated fact is that we use our tongue to both effects.  We are not surprised by this, but we should be disturbed!  What do you think is the key phrase of this set of verses?  What phrase, if taken seriously would have the greatest impact on your behavior?
          In Jewish tradition, “blessing” the King of the Universe was and is integral to existence.  There are a variety of prayers spoken daily which are part of the activity of blessing God and belonging to God.  This activity is seen as the highest, most noble use of language.  A curse is an expressed desire that someone be cut off from God and experience punishment.  But wait:  if you are a Christian, you bear within yourself the Spirit of God.  What makes the curse especially abhorrent is the idea of desiring separation between God and His creation.        
Here is what I see as the key: “Made in the similitude of God”.  When we reject a person, we are rejecting some aspect of God’s very own character:  we withhold from them His goodness in us, and we reject His goodness in them.   Perhaps we need to change our mindset about other people—especially those we find annoying or bothersome.  Where is your focus?  Is it on the annoying bothersome, hurtful characteristics you see?  Could your focus shift to the reality that he/she is made in God’s image, embodying some of His qualities? If you are “cursing” someone – wishing for their separation, you should also recognize as James says, “these things ought not to be so.”  This is what can be done:
1.                      1.  Confess your own judgment, criticism, insecurity, fear, etc.  (the thing that makes you especially want distance from them.)              Your heart needs a cleaning…
2.                       2.  Repent of that perspective and set a new course. Try viewing them (and yourself) in the light of truth.  Act according to that new perspective.
3.                       3.  Submit to truth, and be accountable to another believer who holds to The Truth.
4.                       4.  Give thanks for the whole situation, recognizing that “hard” people
a.        bring light to the sinful attitudes of your own heart
b.        can serve to remind you that everyone is still ‘in process’
c.        have gifts, talents and qualities you may lack
Read and Pray:  Psalm 50:14-23, Matthew 15:9-20, 1 John 3:20-24

Saturday, September 24, 2011

James 3:5-8

 "Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things.  See how great a forest a little fire kindles!  And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity.  The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.  For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind.  But no man can tame the tongue.  It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison."
                                          tame the tongue
These passages are packed with Old Testament allusions; the creation of the world and man’s role as steward (Gen.1:26); the entrance of sin and its destructive effects (Gen.3); the hellish instigation of sin (Gen 4:7, Job 1:6,) ; and the inability of man to overcome the evil potential within himself (Ps.130:3).  Here is a condensation of man’s need for God.  Here is a place of recognizing the incredible power given us—language—and our sometimes terrible misuse of it. 
Just think of how such a small member of the human body can render a blow more staggering and a cut more severing than the fiercest of man-made weapons!  When it is uncontrolled, the tongue can defile the whole body:  thoughts formulating words, words propelling actions, actions setting paths that are emotionally, physically, and spirituallydestructive.  Not only self, but others may be damaged in the process.  Impacting every age and every culture, language can be for good or evil: A realm operating within the realm of God’s beautiful creation.  Thoughtless unloving words ignite fresh spots of destruction each time they are spoken.
                Ultimately we must deal honestly with our heart.  Sometimes that takes a while, and sometimes we “vent” without considering the impact our spoken words may have.  These words may tempt others to take up offense for us or against us, and they may provoke others to anger.  When we are angry and we try to articulate it before submitting it to God, our uncontrolled speech may discourage and/or damage, painting an untrue, ungodly picture of others and/or ourselves..  It may impair the ability to sense the hope Christ offers, as well as erode a sense of trust.  To speak in these moments is to act contrary to the law of love:  it is not loving and honoring God, nor loving your neighbor. 
Better than “venting”, is submitting.  Come to God with all that is in your heart and examine it in the light of Truth before you discuss the matter with another person.  This is taming of the tongue.  Yes it is difficult, “with men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matt.19:26).  This is of great importance, for “death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Prov.18:21) 
Read and Pray: Prov. 16:27-28, 18:6-7, 15:28, Dan. 10:12, I Cor. 13:11-13

Friday, September 23, 2011

James 3:1-4

                                                      dictating destiny
                Teachers played a prominent role in the early church and it is possible that some people sought the position because it increased their prestige.  James clarifies the strict standard and huge responsibility of teachers.   Greater knowledge brings greater responsibility to live according to that knowledge.  Just previous to this, James was expounding on the necessity of faith being demonstrated in works.  The teacher needs not only works that correspond to his faith, but a life that corresponds to his teaching.  Also needed is utmost care with words since he is directing not only his own life, but having powerful influence in the direction others take.
Key tools for teachers are knowledge and language.  This carries both great responsibility, (“to whom much is given, from him much will be required” (Luke 12:48) ) and  great risk since the tongue is the most difficult part of the body to control.  Teachers are to encourage, strengthen, and nurture the faith of others. 
Obviously teachers aren’t the only ones who wield power and influence with words.  Spoken words not only set a course, they can determine destinies.  Think about that. The verbal feedback you have gotten from others has probably influenced why you choose to do the things you now do.  Likewise, the feedback you give to your friends and family members may seriously affect their future thoughts and actions. 
The captain of a ship or the rider of a horse typically makes a plan and sets a course, then directs accordingly.  We too need to set our course.  What is your ‘Ultimate Destination’?  For a Christian, it is knowing God.  If you are a Christian, you can set your eyes on the goal and make certain your small but powerful instrument—the tongue—is used for the purpose of reaching, and helping others reach, the destination. 
                People will be influenced by our words.  Even in small ordinary events, the way you use words can have great influence.  Do you want to influence others for good, or for evil?  Will you help others reach their God-given destiny?  Or will your words reinforce a path of separation from God? Pay attention to your words today and evaluate their impact. 
          Read and Pray:  Psalm 17:1-6, Prov. 15:1-7, Eph. 4:11-16

Thursday, September 22, 2011

James 2:21-26

                                                        the language of actions
Here James gives historical illustrations to reinforce the ideas of verses 14-20.  Have you ever wondered why God took Abraham through the whole exercise of offering Isaac as a sacrifice?[1]  Didn’t God already know what was in Abraham’s heart? Of course God knew—did Abraham? 
Abraham’s actions showed the substance of his claim of trusting God.  I suspect he learned some things in the process; how much he valued obedience to God, his willingness to experience loss rather than disobedience and the reality of God’s provision.  No doubt his faith and trust in Lord grew.  Abraham’s faith at the base of the mountain may not have appeared to make intellectual sense.  But upon return, his intellectual comprehension had expanded, and one of the names for God, “the Lord will provide”, made more sense than ever. His experience and concept of God expanded, thus expanding his faith and trust in God.
Rahab’s actions also display more than lip-service to what she claims: “…the Lord your God, He is God…”[2] She and her family are physically spared because of her response to the truth.  What does James mean with “… a man is justified by his works…”?  Here the word for justified is dikaioo, meaning to show or be regarded as just or innocent.  So a man is shown to be just, in right standing with God, by the things he does.  Abraham’s specific response to God’s specific instructions were key to his justification, while Rahab’s general response to her general knowledge demonstrated her faith.  It is a passive indicative verb in both instances:  they do not make themselves “righteous” but they are made and shown to be “righteous” in an ongoing sense, as a result of their actions. 
            In what ways do you sense you need to step out in faith or act on something because of your faith?  Do you think your understanding of God might grow as a result?  Are you willing to try going beyond your comfort zone, your “normal”, in order to experience radical obedience?  You may as well….faith without works is dead.
            Read and Pray:   Psalm 1, Prov. 13:7-9, Gal. 5:16-26





[1] Genesis 22 gives the whole story
[2] Joshua 2:11.  You can read Joshua chapters 1-6 for the whole story

James 2:18-20

                                                                making sense
Have you ever found yourself in a debate and then walked away unchanged?  Most of us have had that experience.  Or have you ever made claims, and someone discredited your claims because your own behavior betrayed your argument:  “Do what I say and not what I do” in action?
 Intellectual and philosophical engagement can be healthy and good. But unless there is a living out, a real working of the things we have thought about, then it profits little.  As verse 19 points out, two parties may believe the exact same thing (for example, “there is one God”), but with entirely different results.  “Good doctrine” will only render good results to the extent that it is enmeshed with thinking and decision making. I may say “smoking is unhealthy”, but do it anyway:  my belief has not penetrated my being.  Either the truth of the ill effects of smoking has not really taken root in my thinking or I do not value health enough to let the truth impact my thinking. Therefore the statement remains detached from my decision making, and doesn’t really make sense in light of how I live.
     Many people raised in or around the church have the “right answers” (you know, the Sunday School answers!).  But statistics indicate, that for many, “Christian belief” is disturbingly detached from behavior.  Divorce rates are approximately the same between Christians and non-Christians.[1]  57% of pastors say that addiction to pornography is the most sexually damaging issue to their congregation.[2]  Only 46% of those claiming to be Christians read their Bibles[3]   This is disappointing, but here is what James is talking about.  Knowing the "right" answer means little.  Living it means a lot:  living it makes sense.
     Socrates claimed, “The unexamined life is not worth living”. But James takes it further:  examine your life by the standards of your belief.  Does your “belief” have real roots (the implanted word of verse 1:21) and does it find real expression of your very being?  If so, it will be instructional and visible and it will make sense!
Read and Pray:  Psalm 119:9-11, John 8:31-32

James 2:14-17

                                                  loving Jesus in loving others
In the last half of this second chapter, James repeats three times, “Faith without works is dead.”  Interestingly, he tackles the reality from different perspectives at different levels.  It seems to create sandwich of ideas; practical–intellectual--intellectual–practical.  Our faith needs to make sense!  First of all, he speaks to love in the practical social realm.
How does your faith make a difference to others?  What does your own “faith-in-action” look like?  If you are not sure how to answer that, think over the last year and reflect on the situations where your actions were a result of conviction and belief about how you could best love others and God.  Would the people you interacted with recognize something of Jesus in you?
In referring to His coming in glory for final judgment, Jesus talks of separating righteous from unrighteous as a shepherd separates sheep from goats.  The sheep, the ones He gathers in, are the ones who offered practical help to practical needs:  hunger, thirst, loneliness, poverty, illness, imprisonment.  When we help meet the needs of people, we connect with Christ.  In ministering to others, we minister to Jesus.
I love how Mother Theresa explains this when she says, “Each one of us is merely a small instrument.  When you look at the inner workings of electrical things, often you see small and big wires, new and old, cheap and expensive lined up.  Until the current passes through them there will be no light.  That wire is you and me.  The current is God.  We have the power to let the current pass through us, use us, produce the light of the world.  Or we can refuse to be used and allow darkness to spread….Whatever you do, even if you help somebody cross the road, you do it to Jesus.  Even giving somebody a glass of water, you do it to Jesus….Strive to be the demonstration of God in the midst of your community.”[1]
Is your faith making sense—on the basis of what you do—to those in your sphere of influence?  Are you looking for opportunities to love God by loving others?   Mercy triumphs over judgment.
Whatever we do, we do it to Jesus. 
Read and Pray: Matt.25:31-46, Prov. 3:27, Psalm 19:14




[1] Mother Theresa, No Greater Love, New World Library, 1997

James 2:8-13

"If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself," you do well; but if you show partiality, you commit sin, and are convicted by the law as transgressors.  For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.  For He who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not murder."  Now if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you have become a transgressor of the law.  So speak and so do as those who will be judged by the law of liberty.  For judgment is without mercy to the one who has shown no mercy.  Mercy triumphs over judgment."
                                                       favoritism  versus  acceptance
                What is the “royal law”?  ‘Royal’ suggests it belongs to the kingdom, and is another characterization of the entire will of God for Christians. This will is revealed particularly in the teaching of Jesus who demanded of his disciples a radical obedience to God, befitting those who were privileged to be ‘heirs of the kingdom’.[1]  The “law” can be summarized in two commandments because they absorb the purpose and intent of all the rest. Not only are we to keep the law, but we are to recognize the nature of the law—loving—and operate in that.
Though “partiality” or “favoritism” is not found in the 10 commandments, it is addressed briefly in Leviticus and Deuteronomy.  In a broad general sense, “partiality” is a violation of the spirit of the law because it is unloving.  It may appear to be a minor thing, but in truth, it is major.  The way of Jesus is not actually easier than the way of the law in the Old Testament because Jesus demands not only right actions, but a right attitude behind the actions. 
Here is a sticking point:  Playing favorites is sin.  If we violate the law, it is not an issue of a ‘big’ or ‘little’ sin.  It is an issue of despising and disrespecting what God has called us to, and is asking of us.  The ‘law’ is not about listing individual and independent requirements and rules, where you can incur a small amount of guilt for a “little” violation.  It is a unified approach to how we see, think about, and live life.  A violation of any sort—that is an unloving action of any kind—is contrary to God’s heart and contrary to the testimony and life of Jesus.
If I choose to continue in the vanity of a worldly perspective, giving preference the way the world does, I display my true allegiance, and I incur the judgment due to one who has chosen to sit as a judge with selfish evil intent. It is this strict standard—this law of love (which set us free from our sins)—by which we will be judged.  We do get God’s love and acceptance, but it comes along with His demands that love and acceptance be extended,  In relationship with Him and His Word, by the grace of His Spirit we are empowered to obey His will and rest in the confidence of His mercy.  How might you conform to His will, and extend His goodness today?
Read and Pray: Matt.5:20-22, 1 John 3:15-16,  2 Cor.5:10



[1] Douglass J. Moo, , James, (TNTC 2009), p.98

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

James 2:5-7

“Listen, my beloved brethren:  Has god not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?  But you have dishonored the poor man.  Do not the rich oppress you and drag you into the courts?  Do they not blaspheme that noble name by which you are called?
                                                    honoring others
In the Old Testament, and here in James, “the poor” are not the only people elected to inherit salvation.  It is a term used to designate those who were both economically oppressed and spiritually inclined.  In contrast, the one who comes in “fine clothes” is representing the one who is all about external show, self-importance, and self-sufficiency.  Why is it we are so often drawn to the latter?  Is it in hopes of becoming like them or simply standing in their good graces? Or are we trying to bask in their ‘glory’? 
            The comparisons in this passage illustrate what some have called ‘the upside down kingdom’.  The poor are those who are economically and/or socially oppressed, yet spiritually inclined.  That combination leads to a humble receiving of faith and thus inheritance in the kingdom of Godètrue wealth [as a result of love for God and others].  The rich are economically and/or socially powerful, but spiritually dull and callous.  This leads them to view other people in terms of what can be gained by using them.  This combination leads to pride and rejection of the Lordship of Jesus ètrue poverty.  These are the ones who may mock Christian principles of service, sacrifice and humility, and slander the name of Christ (and you, if you call yourself a Christian)
To me, one of the most poignant parts of The Grapes of Wrath[1] was the way Ma Joad addressed getting help, “If you're in trouble or hurt or need—go to poor people. They're the only ones that'll help—the only ones.”  She had come to the hard realization that many who could help physically, would not because they were callous to the pain of others.  Of course this is not in reality always the case, but in a spiritual sense, when we know our state of poverty, we can empathize with others and point them to a place of help and sustenance.  We can share the riches of truth we ourselves have gleaned.
If someone were to have a bird’s eye view of your life, what would they see resulting from your conversations and actions?  Would they see humble invitations to the goodness of God or would they see prideful barriers built for protecting and exalting self?
Read and pray:  Prov.3:34-35, Isaiah 57:15-21, Col.2:18-3:2



[1] Steinbeck, John. Grapes of Wrath. Penguin Classics, 1992

James 2:1-4

   “My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory with partiality.  For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, “You sit here in a good place,” and say to the poor man, “You stand there,” or “Sit here at my footstool,” have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?”
                    showing what we value by who we value
In verse one, the word “partiality” is describing discrimination based on external things; physical appearance, social/economic status, ethnic background.  God however, never judges on these criteria.[1]  If we then, are showing favoritism based on externals, we are behaving in opposition to God’s heart.
 Jesus came to break down barriers of division: between God and man and between man and man.  He is all about relationship—not division.  I suspect a close look at the way we show favoritism will reveal something about our priorities.  We may be all about having more fun, achieving greater success, learning more facts, getting more money, or having more friends.  Unfortunately, if that is our motivation in relationships it is a course set against the gracious kindness of God because it excludes anyone who does not meet our criteria in terms of helping us accomplish what we want. This would be worldly standards at work!
Think about times in your life when you have been subject to favoritism.  Have you ever seen it produce something good?  In my experience, it seems to leave some people puffed with pride and others downcast and resentful.  If someone were to ask me “Would you like to give some people an illusion of self-importance, and give some others an illusion of unimportance?”  Of course I would answer in the negative.  But the telling thing will be my actions. 
In chapter 1 James addressed the “double-minded man” [one who has conflicting loyalties], and in a subtle way it is now revisited.  If we have faith in Jesus and we are in a position to share it, but we become selective about whom we will relate to, we become “judges with evil thoughts”.  The example here illustrates paying attention to someone on the basis of external things.  Is this what Jesus did?  Of course not!  If we call ourselves Christian, supposedly we are in the process of becoming more like Christ, and should therefore be operating on His standards and values, not the standards and values of the world.  Do you value what pleases God or what pleases the world?
       Read and Pray:  Lev.19:15-18, Deut.10:17-21, 2 Cor. 5:18-21, Psalm 8




[1] Serving as examples: Rom 2:11, Deut. 10:17-18, Lev. 9:15