How Do You Live Your Life?

Scripture:
James 1:17-27 (NASB)

Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures. 

  This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. 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; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. 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. 

  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. Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. 

Devotional:

I remember when I was a teenager something I was told that changed my way of thinking.  We were talking about faith.  We talked about laying down one’s life for someone else.  I commented on the willingness to lay down my life for Christ.  I was asked if I was willing to live my life for Christ.  You see it is easy to die for someone, but much harder to actually live for that person.

James is telling us that we must live our lives not just any old way we choose.  We are to live our lives for Christ, and in Christ.  We need to become “Doers of the Word” as he puts it.  We are to live out our lives as Christ lived His. We need to practice what we believe and teach.  It is too easy to just spout words and continue on our way status quo.  Are you a Sunday Christian?  Do you go to church so everyone can see you there?  When Monday comes are you back in the world forgetting Christ?  When Monday comes we need to continue on as if it was Sunday morning.  Don’t be a Sunday Christian who goes to church on Sunday but lives the rest of the week without Christ.  Become “Doers of the Word” by living out your faith everyday of the week.  Live out what the Bible teaches.  Live your life for Christ, as He lived and wants you to live…