Do you ever feel an internal conflict, where love for God wrestles with a lack of trust, seeking solutions everywhere but from the One who offers boundless wisdom?
You want God to make our lives better, but don’t like the way He accomplishes that through trials. You want solutions to your problems, but don’t seek the Lord for wisdom.
You are not alone.
James was a leader in the early church and he admonished the early Christians to change their behavior, change their thinking about the world, change the way they talk and act with others. Because true belief does that, and static belief changes nothing.
Here’s a glimpse of what James urges us to consider:
🛑 Stop Complaining.
Trials are inevitable, and as Christians, we must accept them as opportunities for growth rather than constantly complaining. Embracing life’s hardships allows us to persevere and become the people God intended us to be.
🛑 Stop Relying on Yourself.
Instead of relying on our intellect, creativity, or gifts we should seek God’s wisdom in every aspect of our lives. Whether facing relationship challenges or health concerns, turning to God for guidance enriches our decisions and fosters deeper connections with others.
🛑 Stop Talking So Much.
Instead of dominating conversations, let’s follow James’ advice to listen attentively to others. Our words hold immense power, and by exercising restraint, we can avoid causing unintended pain to those we love.
🛑 Stop Treating Everyone So Differently.
Let’s break free from societal norms that elevate some while marginalizing others. Treating everyone with equal respect and dignity aligns with how God see us and opens up doors to share the gospel.
✅ Extend Love and Mercy.
In a world prone to judgment, let’s embrace mercy over condemnation. By forgiving freely and judging less, we create a more nurturing environment where love flourishes.
Shift from Static to Active Faith:
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. James 1:22-25 NIV
Put it into Practice.
Our faith should not remain stagnant but rather propel us towards action. Aligning our lives with God’s will and continually striving to be the person He intends us to be ensures that our faith remains vibrant and transformative.
What do you need to stop (or start) doing this week to live a more active faith?
