James 2:1 NLT
My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others?
How do I really get past this verse? This is a really hard verse to really, truly, live out.
For me, it is a litmus test of just how much of “me” is still alive. Whenever I think I’m doing pretty good, one of these tests comes along to show me just how much more of me needs to die.
Lord help me die to myself and see others through your eyes.
James 1; Romans 14
Romans 14:12-15:6 talks about what one person does (or doesn’t do) to honor the Lord vs. what another person does or doesn’t do. We shouldn’t judge the actions of another because we are “more spiritually mature” than they are.
[It would be interesting to continue down this thought and compare it to “let the little children come unto me” – something I may do in the near future.]
We are to live our lives in a way that doesn’t make another stumble. Being aware of how our actions could affect another person’s walk is the marching order given. The deception comes when we are concerned about what another person thinks.
Hebrews 10:24 (NIV) 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.
James 1:7-8 (NLT) references those people who ask God, but their faith isn’t completely in God alone. The deception referenced in v7-8 is that of expectations. The expectation that God is a genie and will give me what I ask, period; that I can control God – to some degree. Verse 8 says “Their loyalty is divided between God and the world…” and goes on to describe their instability in EVERYTHING THEY DO.
I am becoming a firm believer in uncovering any deception I may believe… asking Father to reveal anything that I believe that is not in line with His Word and His Truth.