Taking a quick glance at our background photo today, one would not even question whether or not this is a gate.
However … upon taking a closer look, the question arises: Is this really a gate?? It doesn’t appear that this gate could even clear the driveway.
But wait … there is a hinge.
Still, the question lingers … is this truly a working gate??
It certainly doesn’t seem like it.
The book of James asks this exact same question. If you say you are a Christian, does your life actually do the work of a Christian?? (or in other words: If you claim to be a “gate”, does your “gate” actually do the work of a “gate”?? Or do you just sit there and look nice?)
What good is a gate if the gate doesn’t swing open or shut?
What good is a gate if the gate doesn’t provide protection?
What good is a gate if the gate doesn’t create a boundary?
“What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds?” – James 2:14
What good is it to say you are a Christian, if your life does not actually do the work of a Christian??
The book of James is all about doing what you claim! If you say you are a Christian, do these things characterize your life?
* Steadfast and stable … no matter the storms of life! – James 1:2-8
* Don’t give up or quit; Hang in there and persevere! – James 1:12; James 5:7-8; James 5:10-11
* No blaming – James 1:13-15
* Truly Listen – James 1:19; James 5:12
* Slow to become angry – James 1:19-20
* No moral filth – James 1:21; James 3:17
* Attuned to the Word of God – James 1:21
* Transformed by the Word of God – James 1:22-25; James 4:7-8
* A tongue which is under control – James 1:26; James 3:1-12
* Caring for the weak and fragile of society – James 1:27
* Not polluted by the world – James 1:27; James 4:4
* No favoritism – James 2:1-7; James 3:17
* Considerate and loving towards others – James 2:8-12; James 3:17
* A life characterized by mercy – James 2:13; James 3:17
* Helping the needy and hurting – James 2:14-17
* A life characterized by good deeds – James 3:13; James 3:17; James 4:17
* A life characterized by humility – James 3:13; James 4:6; James 4:10
* Not envious – James 3:14
* Not pursuing selfish ambition at the expense of others – James 3:14; James 4:3; James 5:1-6
* Not boastful –James 3:14; James 4:13-16
* Not a liar – James 3:14
* No slandering others – James 4:11
* Peaceable – James 3:17-18; James 4:1-3
* A life which is sincere – James 3:17
* A life characterized by prayer – James 5:13-18
* A life characterized by sharing the message of Jesus with others – James 5:19-20
Jesus Christ in James
Jesus is the One-and-only Lawgiver and Judge, able to save and destroy – James 4:12
Jesus is the defender & vindicator of the oppressed – James 5:4
Jesus is coming back soon! – James 5:7-8
Jesus is the Judge at the door – James 5:9
Jesus is the One who heals the sick – James 5:14-15
