We live in a world with a lot of talk and not a whole lot of action. James confronts the church head on about the difference between knowing the right way to go and actually walking it. The book of James is easily the most pointed and concise look at true Christian living.
James 1:2-3 -- "Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow."
Right from the beginning James declares that there will be trouble, not
if but
when, but without it we couldn't grow.
James is not afraid to hurt anyone's feelings or to step on anyone's toes. Throughout the book, he says what needs to be said to get people up and out of their comfortable living where they are clinging to world values. He exposes hypocritical practices and tries to teach Christ-like behavior for the Christian followers. James challenges the people to have genuine faith and let it produce good deeds naturally throughout their life.
James 2:18 -- "Now someone may argue, "Some people have faith; others have good deeds." But I say, "How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds."
When we truly live with faith in Christ, we cannot help but let His love shine through us to others. The way to heaven is through faith, not good deeds, but it is a natural progression that cannot be unnoticed when you are living entirely for Christ.
This is a small, concise book toward the end of the Bible, but it contains infinite wisdom. If you want to know where to look to get more out of your Christian life, begin with James. He provides a how-to book for Christian Living.
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