I have been studying the book of James in my personal studies. I never cease to be amazed at how God speaks to me in my moments of studies. For those who say God doesn't speak to you I would respond that you are not listening. It seems almost every time I read my Bible and spend time in prayer God is speaking to me and showing me things I need to be reminded of.
James was trying to help us understand that our goal as followers of Christ is a life long journey. We are to spend our life in pursuit of becoming more like Christ. God helps shape us and refine us into Christ's image through the trials we face in life. Through temptation we learn to trust in God more to help deliver us from evil. Their are character traits and attitudes in our life we must learn to surrender to the power of His Holy Spirit so we can become that example of Christ to a world that needs to see and hear. We can't allow our words and actions to be controlled by our desires. We must learn to live and operate under the power of God. There are areas in our spiritual life like prayer that could be stronger and more effective.
Really, it is all about maturity. Am I in pursuit of growing in my relationship with God? Or, do I feel like I have already arrived at a place of perfection? Those who feel like they have already arrived are the ones who fall short. I'm not there yet. I don't look as much like Christ as I should. I have areas I need to improve in; that I need to grow in. Today, I choose to turn these areas over to God and ask for His help. Not so I can be some great and mighty Christian or more holy than you. I do it because I recognize the need in my life to continue to grow and become more like Christ. Do you?
