Does Your Religion Make a Difference in your SPEAKING, LISTENING, DOING?

(James 1:16-27)
In James 1:16-27 the James specifies five areas in which true religion makes a difference in one’s life: (1) in his view of God, (2) in his ability to control his temper and tongue, (3) in his heart, (4) in his willingness to obey the Word of God, and (5) in his concern for the needy.
A Difference in Your View of God
First , true religion makes a difference in one's view of God. (1:16-18) When struggling with temptation, particularly with one that has often overpowered us, it is easy to try to shift the blame to others, to our social environment, to the devil, or even to God. One form this has recently taken is to root our behavior, even our sins, in our genetic code. We are not to blame, because "God made us this way." James will not allow this shift in responsibility. There is no one to blame for temptation and sin but ourselves.
A Difference in Your Temper and Tongue
Second , true religion makes a difference in one's ability to control his temper and tongue. (1:19-20) Whether the conversation or criticism has to do with religion or the weather, be very slow about losing your temper and unleashing your tongue. Even if you win an argument, you may lose a friend or even a soul.
A Difference in Your Heart
Third , true religion makes a difference in one's heart. (1:21) First , it must "get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent." Second , he must receive the rebuke and counsel of the Word of God in "meekness." Whether an individual receives the implanted word and has the desired effect produced in his life depends entirely on him. A hypocrite will be content to go through the motions of Christianity without undergoing a total transformation of his being. But one who practices true religion will yield altogether to the will of God in being changed "from the inside out" (i.e., from his heart to his behavior). Which type of person have you been?
A Difference in Your Willingness to Obey
Fourth , true religion makes a difference in one's willingness to submit to authority and obey commands. (1:22-25)The hypocrite listens, nods approvingly, and affirms his agreement with the truth. He then goes on his way to behave precisely as he pleases -- even if in doing so he must defy the truth he has just heard. The individual practicing true religion examines his life in light of the truth he hears and reorders his thinking and behavior accordingly. Which type of hearer are you?
A Difference in Your Concern for the Needy
Fifth , true religion makes a difference in one's degree of sincere concern for and actions on behalf of the needy. (1:26-27) The fact that Jesus loved people and met their needs gained a favorable hearing for the message he preached. If we were more like him, we would gain a more favorable hearing for his gospel when we try to tell it to others.
This discussion of hearing and doing serves as a corrective to the cheap grace practiced by many in the church today. Salvation by grace does not mean that moral standards are lower for Christians. Indeed, it is Jesus who calls his disciples to a higher righteousness (Matthew 5:20). In James's day, as well as ours, there were those who deceived themselves into thinking they were saved because they had heard the gracious words of salvation. James reminds them that grace requires an active response. Such a response includes control of our speech, care for those in need, and rejection of the standards of the world.Bob's Blog









