SO WHAT? (what will I do with what I have read today?)
Today we finish James 1. The last verses use a word that many people have a problem with, “religion”. I want to help you get past any roadblock that may hinder your faith. The word translated "religion" essentially means "the outward practice, the service of a god." It is used only five times in the entire New Testament (James 1:26-27; Acts 26:5; Col. 2:18) where it is translated "worshiping". Pure religion has nothing to do with ceremonies, temples, or special days. Pure religion means practicing God's Word and sharing it with others, through our speech and service.
1.) Speech (v. 26).
Throughout the book of James there are many references to speech. James makes it clear that our speech can be a serious problem.
James 3:2-8
For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body. If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
One wrong word can cause irreparable damage! Listen to what Jesus says about our words.
Matthew 12:34-35
You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil.
It is the tongue that reveals the heart; if the heart is right, the speech will be right. Is your heart storing up resentment, bitterness and rage or is your heart storing what is good, what is righteous and what is holy?
2.) Service (v. 27).
After we have seen ourselves and Christ in the mirror of the Word, we must see others and their needs. Words are no substitute for serving those in need. James continues this idea in chapter 2. James makes it clear that we shouldn’t have faith alone! Our faith must be accompanied with works. If we truly believe in Christ and what He has called us to then we must get off the bench, into the game and start serving others. God want to use you to change the world, change your community and change people’s lives.
Guaranteed there are people in your life that are in need. You may not be to think of them right off the top of you head but they are there. Don’t ignore a need when you see them. Pastor Mike loves to say, “See a need, meet a need.” God has blessed so many of us, so lets started meeting needs.
Make it happen!
-Pastor Matt
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