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My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.
James 5:19-20

Rather than focus on the act of bringing someone back, let’s focus on the act of being brought back. James is teaching about a believer who falls away. He writes that the value of that person coming back is immeasurable — saving them from death and covering a multitude of sins.

In God’s flock, every sheep matters. If one strays, God wants it back. When we sin, God is sad and prefers that we return to righteous ways. He doesn’t give up, and takes great joy when others bring us home.

Be God’s — every day.

When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.
James 1:13-14

We like to blame other people or things when stuff happens. “It’s not my fault” or “the devil made me do it” or “why me, God?” We like to start with how great we were, and how something else got in the way.

The book of James reminds us that it IS our fault. Our own nature draws us into sin. God doesn’t make us do it. We fail to let God save us.

We must look in the mirror first when things go awry. For evil not to win, we must first change ourselves.

Be God’s — every day.

You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that-and shudder.
James 2:19

Halloween isn’t my favorite holiday. When I was younger, it wasn’t an event my parents got crazy about, so I guess it stuck with me. It’s fun to dress up and all — as my Mr. Potato Head suit can attest — but I’ve never been big on the gross and scary themes. Especially for children. For me, I don’t understand why we seed fear ad evil in kids.

But enough of my soapbox…

We should be reminded today that God is God of all. The demons and the evil spirits are powerless over God. The demons themselves recognize the power of God.

When we are afraid, or when we are tormented, know that God has power over all. You cannot be overcome, as God can overcome what pains you. Praise be to God on this day!

Be God’s — every day.

Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring
James 3:10-11

I often get the question from youth “what is so wrong about swear words? Why are they singled out as bad compared to any other?” While this verse doesn’t speak to why certain words are deemed worse than others, it does speak to why cursing is bad.

How we speak and what we say affects our image. As Christians, we want others to see an image of peace and love, not curses and hate. Whatever words come from our mouths cast a shadow on how we are perceived, and “curse” words may detract from the Christ-like nature we are to embody.

So there is a challenge… Whether its certain 4-letter words, or just words of hurt, challenge yourself to not use them.

Be God’s — every day.

When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
James 4:3

When we pray, why are we praying?

I know I ask God for a lot of things. And many of them are things I think I need or I want. But that’s a lot of “I” to assume that God will agree with me.

When we petition God, we need to recognize that HIS will should be done, not ours. When our prayers are not answered, it may be because we weren’t asking for the right things. Or maybe God answered “No” because providing what we wanted would not further his work on earth. When we pray, we should recognize its not all about us.

Offer a prayer to God, asking him to provide what he sees as needed in your life.

Be God’s — every day.

P.S. Sorry for the bad Seinfeld reference in the title. I love that scene…

Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.
James 4:17

Committing to a life resisting sin just got a lot more interesting, didn’t it?

Staying away from sin meant to me “don’t do bad.” Living a broader life of discipleship also meant “do good.” Both were centered around what a person did and how they acted.

Helping that old lady across the road = good.
Tripping her in the middle of the road = bad.

Simple enough.

However, this verse presents a broader picture of sin. We sin both by “doing bad” (not stated here in this verse, but certainly elsewhere) and by “not doing good.” This is certainly a higher standard, pushing into action when we might otherwise sit aside. Being neutral is equivalent to being bad. No action when action is required is a sin just like committing a wrong.

This sets a higher bar for our life on earth, fully recognizing our sinful nature. We cannot fully succeed in doing everything that is right, but it’s a standard worth striving for. Don’t sit aside and be a casual Christian. Jump in and ACT in the name of God!

Be God’s — every day.

Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
James 4:8

I take it that being double-minded isn’t like being double-jointed…

We have an approachable God. He is with us, and we are able to draw near to him. We draw closest to God when we have pure hearts and minds — coming with an agenda creates separation.

In our busy days, filled with all kinds of hustle and distractions, how can we create more space to come near God? How do we erase the frustrating errands or the annoying driver who cut us off to come near to God without an agenda?

Be God’s — every day.

If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?
James 2:16

As I have mentioned before in these posts, I like the “beat me on the head with the truth” verses in scripture. Not a lot of interpretation needed here. James tells it like it is.

Words can help. Encouragement is important for those in need. But we should not confuse encouragement and suggestion… And the reference in James is not an encouraging statement. Merely suggesting a solution doesn’t solve the problem. God prefers action over words.

How can you act to help those in need?

Be God’s — every day.

Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.
James 4:14

Worried about the future?

In this verse, James puts the future into it’s place. We are still but a flash compared to broader world and universe.

In the gospel, we are told to not worry about tomorrow, because tomorrow will bring it’s own worry. Take care of today.

Some might interpret these verses as a little less than hopeful. “It doesn’t matter… Tomorrow is just another day with it’s own worries.” Another way to think about these is that today is THE day — no need to wait for tomorrow..

If you are living with regret, today is the day to change. If work needs to be done, today is the day to take care of it. If something needs to be said, say it today. Each day is a gift from God. Use every one!

Be God’s — every day (especially today)!

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.
James 5:16

While we are able to talk to God directly about our needs, there is tremendous value in praying for each other, creating a community of prayer for one another.

Sometimes, though, it feels awkward to share our prayer needs with one another. Our personal needs are just that — personal. We may not feel comfortable confessing our sins to the world.

In those cases, it is valuable to have someone — a close friend, family, a pastor — who we can confide in and engage in our prayers. A spiritual bestie, if you will, who can pray for us without judgment.

The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective. May we all find others who can support us in their prayers.

Be God’s — every day.