Plain Talk
Today’s scripture selection: James 4-5
Key verse: James 4:7
I love the New Testament book of James. Why? Because James doesn’t beat around the bush – he tells it like it is.
In just a few short chapters he covers a lot of territory:
- How to handle trials in life
- The difference between listening and doing
- The evil of favoritism
- How to keep control over your own tongue
- The nature of wisdom
- And what holy submission is all about.
Here’s what he has to say about that – again, in characteristic no-nonsense terms:
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”
According to James, it’s about making some very important choices.
There’s not a lot of discussion about what constitutes right and wrong behavior – or even if there is such a thing – in a relativistic society.
There’s not a lot of wiggle room allowed; where we debate the finer points of philosophy or politics or religion.
There’s no long treatise about the origin and nature of evil and whether or not evil can be personified.
There’s just the choice: submit to God – or not. Resist the devil – or not.
And let the chips fall where they may. Scratch that – where they most definitely will.
Sometimes, life seems very complicated. At other times, somebody like James comes along and reminds us that some choices, though not easy, are clearly defined.
It’s plain talk – for real, spiritually mature people.
And – if heeded – it can save your life.
Prayer: Lord, help me to embrace the opportunities you give so often; that of holy submission to your will. AMEN.
