Dave's Diary

Daily Reading: James 1:19-27

James is a straight-talking, no-nonsense letter, and this section very clearly fulfils the functions of the Word of God which were highlighted in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – particularly the “rebuking” and “correcting” functions. It demands that we take a hard look at ourselves and recognise how often we receive the wondrous Word of God but simply walk away unchanged.

James extols the virtue and power of the the Life-Giving Word of God. He describes it as the Word that “produces righteousness” (v.20); i.e. it brings us into right standing with God and into the right living that flows from that right standing. And then he also highlights that this Word brings us into a life of freedom and blessing (v.25).

But notice that there are at least two statements of certain conditions. In v.21 James says that the Word can save us; and in v.25 he explains that this happens only if we “continue in the Word – not forgetting what it says but DOING what it says.”

James’ point is that God’s salvation is not a theoretical salvation. It is a practical, living salvation that transforms us from the inside out. And that real, living salvation cannot happen until we have true faith … the sort of faith that believes and trusts the Lord and His Word enough to act on it. Faith that does not move us to action is no faith at all. So let us respond to God’s Word by resisting and getting rid of the thoughts, words and deeds it warns us to abandon (because they bring death) and to courageously put into action the Christlikeness it commands us to “put on” (because in that consists abundant life).

LORD, grant me the wisdom, courage and grace to be an active doer of Your Word and not merely a passive hearer; for the doing of Your Word brings life. In Jesus’ Name I pray. Amen.