I think if I had to summarize James’ letter in one phrase, it would be this: “what you do matters.” Throughout the treatise, he keeps saying things like, “don’t just listen to the word, but do what it says” (1.22), or “Faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless” (2.17). Or “If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life” (3.13). Or most convicting of all, “Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not to do it” (4.17).
In particular, in chapter 3, James lets us know that what we do with our words matters. He points out the irony of coming to church on Sunday and praising God with your words and then turning around and using that same tongue to curse the people around you - through gossip, sarcasm or deceit.
In James’ view, how we treat people is a direct indication of where we are in relationship with God.
It’s like he is saying, I don’t care how much you go to church. I don’t care how much you pray. I don’t care how much you read the Bible. I don’t care how much you know.
If you treat people like trash, you don’t have a relationship with God.
If you regularly use your words to deceive and destroy, then your faith may be something you use to prop up your self-esteem and make you feel better about yourself. But in James’ analysis, it is “earthly, unspiritual and demonic” (3.15). It’s not legit.
Watch your words. They reflect your heart. What do they say about your relationship with God?
Lord, may my words reflect a heart that is truly being changed by you. Give me grace-filled speech, words that build up rather tan tear down. Amen.
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