Monday, November 28, 2011

Are we fooling ourselves?

Almost a year ago to date I started reading the book of James and it really convicted me. Today when I decided to go back to James and read again conviction was present again, but this time was different. Originally when reading the Holy Spirit brought to my attention how I worry instead of having faith, being a doer not just a hearer of the Word, control of the tongue, impartiality of others, and so much more. However today when I was reading I was reminded with the force of a kick in the face that although I was convicted of these things what have I really done with this?? A whole lotta nothing. For about a month now I am really seeing how prideful and arrogant inwardly I have been.  My walk is nothing as it should be. My prayers are not without ceasing. I do a whole lot of feeling sorry for myself and not a whole lot of looking beyond myself.  James says it so well.
"So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.  But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.  For if you listen to the word and don't obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you carefully look into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don't forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it."
 This passage just says it all! This holds encouragement, pain for my ears, and promise.  It is so comforting to know that the grass withers and the flowers will fade and die but God's word will endure always and forever to exhort, convict and comfort.  I will do better. I must. I will fall and fail, but not like this. I cannot continue to live this life as I am currently. Here is to a new day of God's grace and mercy giving me another undeserved chance to give Him glory.