For about half my life, I was a pretty good hypocrite, a whitewashed tomb, acting one way in front of others and sometimes living differently behind closed doors. I wanted people to like me and think I was good, but I didn't love God with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength. My heart was often consumed with worldly pleasures and instead of worshiping Christ as Lord, He was simply my ticket to Heaven. Sure, I participated in some upstanding Christian activities, but I cared more about my bank account and coaching success than I did growing in the Lord. I wish someone had discipled me during my adolescent and young adult years. I made countless mistakes, and I'm thankful God didn't quit on me. We certainly serve a merciful and gracious God who is mighty to save!
I keep making dumb mistakes, but reading and studying God's Word regularly has helped me tremendously in my various roles, such as husband, father, and friend. I don't have a specific place or time I always read my Bible, but I've kept a reading plan since around the late 1990s. God's Word is the sword of the Spirit (Ephesians 6:17) and helps us fight complaining, laziness, pride, and other "respectable" sins that we think aren't a big deal. We should hide God's Word in my heart so we might not sin against Him (Psalm 119:11). James tells us we simply can't be hearers of the Word - we must do it (James 1:22)! And if we aren't in God's Word, how do we know how to do God's Word? How do we know if we're walking in a manner worthy of the Lord? The world tells you to follow your heart, but that is unbiblical (Jeremiah 17:9). If I followed my heart every time someone made a bonehead move on the road, there would probably be multiple YouTube videos of Wickamania runnin' wild with rage!
This year at Evansville Christian School, we've been focused on the Book of James at our chapels. Have you read these five chapters written by Jesus' half-brother? Doing so only takes 15-17 minutes, and it will encourage you to live out your faith through good works. The 108 verses were written around 45 AD, probably making James the oldest of the New Testament books. It consists of over 50 commands that provide a clear guide to a godly life. Think of it as the "Proverbs of the New Testament." Much of the Bible can be difficult to comprehend, but the Book of James is an easier read and super practical. Whether you're a new believer or have been a Christian for decades, the Book of James can help all of us to live as faithful followers of Christ. Check out the verses below and have them on repeat in your head!
- ...Be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger (James 1:19)
- ...Show no partiality... (James 2:1)
- Do not speak evil against one another... (James 4:11)
- ...Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another...(James 5:16)
