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Text: James 1:22-25 * Throughout the story of humanity, as told in the Bible, the basic issue never seems to have been lack of information, or even a lack of some very significant proofs for belief (trust in God), but simply “rebellion”. A willingness to be confronted with the reality of a Creator-God (and even an awareness of his expectations), yet consciously choosing to live as if he didn’t exist. * And, even in our sincerity, humanity has demonstrated such an incredible capacity for being deceived. * It’s this ability to look squarely at truth and either fail to see it, or see it and choose to believe something else- that results in self-deception; which is, essentially, adopting a false view of reality (life). * James uses an illustration to help us better understand a truth. Illustration: stand-up mirror. I love this particular mirror because when I look in it, it gives me the impression that I am taller and thinner than I really am. * When we look in a mirror, all we see is a reflection (image), not a reality. The function of the mirror is simple: it reflects back the image of the object or person placed directly in front of it; but they can do nothing to alter the reality that they represent. The mirror is limited in what it can reveal. It can reflect how you will appear to others, but it cannot reflect the “real” you. * James is reminding us that in determining our approach to life and God, we need to discover some source which will honestly and consistently allow you to see yourself as you really are; to face reality, not avoid it (our culture seems bent on ‘escaping’ reality; Christianity attempts to ‘engage’ it). * James, again, warns his readers about developing a faith-system which is defined merely by “knowing” the right things, or “doing” the right things. * James says that a person who simply hears the word and then continues to live unresponsively is deceived. “hearer”- Greek word used to refer to people who were auditing a class; someone who attends class, listens to the lectures, takes notes, but is not responsible for the material! And, there’s little motivation to continue when things appear to be getting too difficult. They love the classroom environment and the stimulating dialogue about God… they’re just not legitimate students. Hearers know the material, they just don’t practice it because they consider it ‘useless’ and ‘irrelevant’ to life. In the athletic world we would say, “You got no game!” * James says that you cannot declare your loyalty to God, then continue to order your own life. * James also warns about the deceptive nature of merely “doing” the right things. The “doer” is someone who says, “God is watching; everybody look busy!” * The real danger in the “doer” approach to faith is that it provides the best environment for hypocrisy. It allows you to obey the rules, while ignoring your heart! * Since the emphasis is always on a flurry of religious activity, it becomes the perfect means of disguising a “disordered soul”. * But, the goal is not just to obey, but to become obedient (a posture). To become the kind of person who is progressively learning to surrender their will and version of life to God’s. God is not interested in obedience for obedience’s sake! “hearers”- deceiving yourself. “doers”- deceiving others * James then says that the person who is able to not only hear the thoughts and desires of God (word), but actually allow them to shape and re-order their lives is “blessed”. The knowledge they possess has not only informed them, but is forming their life. Thoughts about God without actions toward God are merely good ideas! “A healthy, emerging relationship with God will always result in a greater awareness of your own brokenness and need to be made right; which will, in turn, develop in you a lingering appreciation for God’s love for you and a desire to give yourself to him completely, considering no other options”. * In the Bible, belief and behavior are inseparable. Revelation (information about God) which requires us to act as if it were true (knowing that all of our questions will not be answered nor will all of our doubts be eliminated); our response (obedience) confirms our belief and often results in understanding (clarity). “Can it really be your beliefs if it never affects your lifestyle?” Reflections… ►If our words are what we claim to believe, our actions (lifestyle) clarify what we believe (I refer to the pattern of our lives- when we live inconsistent with what we really believe, our conscience says, “Hey, that’s not who you really are!”) James contrasts (2) opposing life-influences: 1. ‘evil all around and within us’ 2. ‘word planted in us’ Evil around and within… (“get rid of”) See the surrounding influences as life-threatening and be proactive and intentional in your commitment to eliminate such patterns of thought and conduct. Stop living so carelessly and stop ignoring the damaging effects of your choices (we approach the sin in our lives like we view “global warming”- there’s probably something to it, and it is probably having some affect on the climate, but we’re not convinced to the point that it alters our lifestyle). Titus 2:11-12 “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say ‘no’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age…” Word planted within us... The word, in contrast the destructive nature of evil, is able to “save us” (restore; put back together). 1 Thessalonians 2:13 “… when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of me, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe”. * James insists that our actions proceed from within us; the “real” us… our heart. The place from which we view our world, make determinations, set values and take action. This heart, the real us, has been formed by a system of thought and life separated from God. Not by God’s desire to remain distanced from us, but by our determination to live independent of him (instead of in-dependence upon him). Our only hope is the potential for who we are now to be transformed; the ability to become who we were meant to be (fully human); to better reflect the original. ►Fundamental to experiencing the “blessed life” we desire is the willingness to consider life from another’s point of view… God’s. And, essential to experiencing a different life is the ability to see it for yourself; to get a picture (vision) of a preferred-future for your life. Once you envision a preferred-future for your life, you must commit to a purposed-approach (no one ever drifts into wholeness). Finally, you must choose to participate in those activities which will make your desired-life possible. Your actions become the choices that you make in order to experience life differently. * The picture is really God’s dream for you; a product of his desires for you. It’s what life would look like if you consciously chose to interact with him and re-order your life around his vision for you. ►If you’re willing to stop and look, what you’ll see will be unforgettable! (“humbly accept”) You will never forget, but you may choose to not remember; to ignore it. * Self-deception is a strategy we use when we’re not ready to face reality. We can look right at it and not even see it! All we see are the many attempts we make to hide the pain and the ugly reality of what’s deep inside us. * It’s called the “perfect law” (nothing missing- presents the reality and offers the solution) because it captures all the intents and purposes of God for his creation. It’s the law of love! We can risk being real; we no longer have to fake it or cover it up. In the Word, you see not only who you are, but who you can be! * We come to realize that the life of God in us is more powerful to produce change than mere demands for compliance. ►You can’t follow Jesus and stay the same! That’s not a threat or an ultimatum… it’s a promise!
* The journey toward God not only alters your
behavior, but more importantly, transforms your values (heart)… which, in turn,
alters your behavior! |
