looking in the mirror

James 1:17-25

 

James motivates the Jews to trace the gifts that they have back to the Source. “Every good gift, and every perfect gift is from above…” he says. God isn’t fickle in what he considers good either. The work He desires to do in the lives of his beloved people is specific and intentional. What gets in the way is the human will. Wrath, filthiness, naughtiness, all of these qualities change the precious intent of the Almighty into the “filthy rags” of man’s righteousness. Once this is established James encourages the saints to remember the value of the gifts. Once you have it, use it! Remember what you had to go through to be in this position, and never forget it!

 

In my life it’s so easy to trade off the position I have in Christ for the worthless fancies of the world. One moment I am gazing into the mirror, amazed and humbled at what I see. Why would He invest in me, and choose me to be one of his “firstfruits”? Tragically though, I often become drawn by the lust of the flesh, worldly pleasures, and materialism. I drift from the standard because I think I can coast on what “I’ve” attained spiritually. Oh, to not forget what the natural man looked like! May I receive the Word meekly, continue therein, and do the work.