Book of James
Galatians 5:16
Philippians 4:13
Where do you go to seek practical advice? The 1980s was an era of self-help books, and I wanted to read them all. The book of James is categorized as “wisdom literature;” it is the Proverbs of the New Testament. For those who love advice on Christian living that is practical, this book of the Bible is a roadmap.
Aren’t we all challenged by knowing what to do and actually being able to do it? In Timothy Keller’s book Galatians for You, he states there are two natures at work in every Christian - the Spirit and the sinful nature. (Galatians 5:16) At some point in our life, “we will live by one and not gratify the other.” James teaches us to “practice God’s word,” and in Galatians, Paul encourages us to “live by the spirit”.
The sinful nature and the Spirit both produce character qualities within us and because of these two desires, conflict can happen. Keller says our flesh may desire things we ourselves create as the Spirit adores and yearns for Jesus. The spirit wants to show us Christ and desires that we conform to him. What does your flesh desire? Do you feel a tug of war between the Spirit and your flesh? Have you ever felt the need to dismantle your idols and reset your priorities?
To be reset by the Spirit or to be led by the Spirit is to change to be the true person we want to be. To let the Spirit fuel our days into our Christ-like character is a liberating feeling. Some days this challenge can feel more like a burden, but we can be lifted by remembering the verse Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” which helps propel us into our change.
James wants us to live out what we truly believe and put our thoughts and words into action. Warren Wiersbe, my favorite Bible commentator from Lincoln, NE, states, “immature people talk about their beliefs, but the mature person lives their faith.” Hearing God’s word can never be substituted for doing God’s word. When the world looks at us, people should know that we belong to Jesus by what they see, not just by what we say. How are you living this out in your life?
Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father,
I pray that Jesus might be seen in me and that the power of the Holy Spirit and all that I do will be done in your honor and glory. In Jesus name, Amen
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