The Grands Letter (James/GLJ)

Dear Grands,

James 1:19-26, “This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger. 20 For the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. 22 But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. 23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror. 24 For once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. 25 But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does. 26 If anyone thinks himself to be religious and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless.”

All of the apostles contributed messages that advocated Christ-like behavior. James, however, uses a more militaristic style than most, saying, “quick, slow, put aside, prove.” At the same time, he never loses focus on the overall message: hear the Word, obey the Word, abide in the Word.

What an exciting challenge this should be for us! Hearing the Word means understanding it. Abiding in the Word means always obeying it with consistency. It is the lifeline of our existence! What’s more, it establishes a pattern of life for those who live with and around us.

Jesus Himself is, of course, our Divine Pattern for life! We can do no better than to live like He lived. How is today treating you? How are you treating today?

Heartily yours in Christ Jesus,

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
United States of America

“We will never know that Christ is all we need
Until He becomes all that we have.”
–Corrie ten Boom