I’M SAVED, NOW WHAT? (part-20)

I’M SAVED, NOW WHAT? (part-20)

LAWBREAKING
Many people have a tendency to categorize sins as minor and major.
In other words they feel their sins are minor and the sins of others are
major. As a result, they may agree that showing favoritism is wrong,
but not serious enough to be considered a sin.

Apparently James knew that some people would feel this way,
and especially those who were living by the law. He wanted
them to understand that failure on any part of the law, was
failure on all points of the law. He also wanted them to know
that relying on the law for salvation was hopeless. He bluntly
explains this error in thinking.
    For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles
    at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.
    (James 2:10)

Think about how you feel when you do something you know you shouldn’t
do. More than likely your conscience makes you realize that you are guilty
of disobedience. You may have a nagging guilt that causes you to believe
that the Lord is out to get you. The dark cloud of regret may cause you to
feel isolated from God, and possibly from other people as well.

When our behavior is in conflict with the guidance of the Spirit of God
living within us, we will experience an emotional response known as guilt.
Guilt is what we feel when we know we are responsible for doing wrong,
whether it is a thought, an action, a careless word, or something else. It is
good to have this inner alarm, but we have to guard against the tendency
to wallow in our shame.

We can be so overwhelmed with remorse that we cling to the pain of guilt.
In a strange way, we choose to punish ourselves. As a result, we may even
remain in the situation that caused us to feel guilty. Our attitude may be,
“I’ve already messed up so what difference does it make if I continue to
mess up?” This is how living by the law can distort our view of God’s
mercy and grace.

Returning to, or remaining in a sin, is the wrong response when we fail.
The best action we can take is to confess our failures to the Lord, ask
for His forgiveness and make a commitment to try and avoid the sins
going forward. Without a doubt, we will need the Lord’s help in order
to avoid sinning.

Just to be sure they understood his point about breaking the law,
James gave an illustration.
    For he who said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said,
    “You shall not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do
    commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.
    (James 2:11)

Since James had recently given instructions regarding favoritism, he
may have selected these two sins (murder and adultery) to emphasize
the seriousness of showing partiality. More than likely the folks were
having difficulty accepting the sinfulness of favoritism. There are
probably many today who have the same struggle.

Most of us can understand the concept of showing favoritism
toward one person over another, but what about showing
favoritism toward ourselves? If we fail to consider the importance
of others, then we could be showing favoritism toward ourselves.

For instance, if we fail to give attention and listen to another person,
what does that say about our opinion of them? Doesn’t it say that we
value ourselves as better than them? Our actions communicate that
the other person is not worth listening to, so we ignore them. Is that
the attitude Jesus had? Of course not! If we expect to be more like
Him then we need to rid ourselves of any and all selfishness.

Showing favoritism can have an impact on what we say and how we act.
James knew this and he explained that our words and deeds should be
filtered with the understanding that we will be judged by what we do
and say.
    Speak and act as those who are going
    to be judged by the law that gives freedom
    (James 2:12)

It is important to understand that those who are truly saved will not
receive eternal punishment, however we cannot sin and get away
with it – we are still accountable to God for all we say and do.
    Their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day
    will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the
    fire will test the quality of each person’s work.
    (1 Corinthians 3:13)

    For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ,
    so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things
    done while in the body, whether good or bad.
    (2 Corinthians 5:10)

    Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work
    impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear.
    (1 Peter 1:17)

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