Living HD - A Journey Through the Letter of James预览

James begins this passage with a reminder that he is not just addressing believers, but that he considers them his “beloved”. Although he is admonishing their behaviour, he is doing so in love, not wanting them to continue in the sin of their actions. Through his illustration, he calls them out in their hypocrisy. While they would most likely answer yes to the question he asks: “has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom…”, yet they have completely disregarded the poor. They have clamoured to impress and hold in high esteem the very ones who are oppressing them, all because of their wealth and power.  

James 1:22 reminds us to not merely be hearers of the word, deceiving ourselves, but to be doers, to put into action the very truths the Lord has given to us. We need to be challenged daily to be counter-cultural and to push against the allure of favouritism and let Jesus be the standard that we live by.  

Have there been times in your life that you have been unfavourable toward someone else, or held judgments against those in poverty? Spend some time today to ask the Lord to reveal His truth to you and show you how to push aside the pull of culture and walk in the fullness of His Word.