“But
be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” James 1:22
The book of James is
interesting in its call for true Christianity.
In the New Testament period, James saw a need to call for an authentic faith
that worked itself out in the life of the believer. The people to whom James wrote were clearly
hearing and entertaining the voices of the world… those who called for a
Christianity that did not require much.
James appeal was for each to listen to the one voice of Christ and
increase maturity displaying a true, living faith.
In today’s society,
the call is still the same. Scripture
cries out for mature Christians who live out their faith. However, it seems that as modern Christianity
encounters the culture it becomes weak.
What is exciting seems bland.
What is delightful gives the impression of being dull. Christianity seems to have lost its appeal to
not only the outside world but to many in the church. Let us not return to a Christianity of the
past or to an America of yesteryear but let us restore the Church to its
intended role, a gathering of disciples of Christ. Let us not look to the culture or our
tradition to define our purpose, rather, let us look to the Bible to see God’s
definition of Christianity.
If the church is to
overcome its lackluster reputation it will begin by living out our faith… let each
of us who call ourselves Christ-followers, by the way we walk, introduce our
breathtaking Savior to a world desperately in need.