Without?

As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.                 Jas. 2.26

This is a sobering and challenging statement. The reality of the first phrase leads to the truth in the second phrase.

Life comprises body, soul and spirit. When all three are present life will flow and, hopefully, abundantly. When one of these elements is lacking then the fullness of life is lost. Indeed, I can picture a body without spirit as something of a zombie – not a way to live!

James then compares this to faith without deeds. This warning has been there for all to see down through the ages. But I wonder how many have taken notice. Let me take heed! May I be willing to exercise my faith in the reality of deeds. I don’t want to live with a dead faith. I want my faith to be alive, vibrant and powerful.

Similarly, may I live in a body that is intimately entwined with soul and spirit. And let me not know just the human spirit. No, I pray the Holy Spirit will fill me with life and lead me into all manner of amazing deeds in witness to my Lord Jesus Christ. I want to live, and live abundantly – in Him!

O Mighty God,

I am nothing without Your Spirit. As surely as I know my body lives in conjunction with my spirit, let me also know that I live in Your Holy Spirit.

I ask for the fullness of Your Spirit in my life. May I live each day in You, with You, and for You. May Your Spirit pour forth in the deeds that I do. May Your praise and glory be ever on my lips. May I live, truly live, in You.            Amen.

Living faith

You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.  Jas. 2.24

As I ponder on these words I see how vital it is to live out my faith. It is not sufficient for me to say, “I am a Christian. I believe in God and I claim salvation through His Son, and my Lord, Jesus Christ.”

If I say this, I must understand what it means. And I need to convey that meaning to others, not just in what I say, but in how I live my life.

My Christian life is one of following Jesus. I may not come anywhere near His perfection, but this does not prevent me giving myself to the Father’s will as Christ did. Sometimes, maybe often, I will know the right way to behave; the things I ought to do may be clear to me. Then I need the courage and determination to follow through. Some actions will come easily; others may require a bit more effort. At other times I may not see clearly the way forward. But He will show me. Here, again, I can follow my Saviour. I come before the Father and say, “Not what I want, Lord, but what You want. Show me.” And I just might need to persist in this plea until I get an answer.

Choice is an ever present reality in this life. I can choose to say, “I am a Christian” and leave it at that. Or I can choose to live, as best I am able, a Christian life!

Lord God,

I so want to follow my Lord Jesus and live in obedience to Your will. Saying the words is not enough for me. I want to live the life. I come to You in humble petition. I remember the many references to our Lord seeking You out in solitude and prayer. I believe Your direction came to Him in such times. May it be so for me. Show me the way, Your way, in Jesus’ name I ask.                     Amen.

Mercy

Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.                                                             Jas. 2.12,13

The essence of these verses I see as an appeal to be merciful. Judgment for my deeds will one day be passed on me. James follows through on what I read in Paul: For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. (2 Cor.5.10)

I have a choice in all of my actions. I can be legalistic which, I fear, leads to a judgmental attitude. Alternatively, I can choose to be merciful in my dealings with others. So often in the gospel narratives I read of Jesus looking on people “with compassion”. I can follow Him in this. I can choose to look mercifully upon situations and the people that are involved in them. I can be harsh and unbending in my view, or I can be understanding and more tolerant.

How I respond to others will influence the way I am treated in the Day of Judgment. This does not overly concern me. It is certainly not the reason I would choose to be merciful. This decision, rather, comes from my desire to follow Christ and, like Him, to do what is pleasing to the Father. As I exercise my choice to be merciful, I experience the peace that is mine in Jesus. This is a most wonderful thing. I appreciate it, and I give myself for more.

Holy Father,

I seek to temper all of my actions with mercy. May I see more clearly the compassionate example of my Lord Jesus. May I follow Him in grace and mercy in my interactions with others. Help me, please.                 Amen.

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