THE LIFESTYLE OF FAITH
Scripture Readings:
James 1: 17- 27 (listening and doing)
Mark 7: 1- 8, 14- 15, 21- 23 (what defiles us)
An Illustration:
An honest man was being tailgated by a stressed woman on a busy street. Suddenly the light turned yellow in front of him, so he slowed down and stopped, though he could have beaten the red light.
The tailgating woman hit the roof! She blasted her horn in frustration as she missed her chance to get through the intersection, dropping her cell phone and makeup. As she was still in mid rant, she heard a tapping on her side window, and looked up to see a serious police officer.
The officer ordered her to exit the car with her hands up. He took her to the police station where she was searched, finger printed and photographed and placed in a holding cell.
After a couple of hours the police officer returned, opened the cell door, and escorted her to the front desk, where her personal affects were returned to her.
The officer said, “I’m very sorry for this mistake. You see, I pulled up behind you as you were blowing your horn, flipping off the guy in front of you, and cussing a blue streak at him.”I noticed the “CHOOSE LIFE” license plate holder, the “WHAT WOULD JESUS DO” bumper sticker, the “FOLLOW ME TO SUNDAY SCHOOL” bumper sticker, and the chrome plated CHRISTIAN FISH emblem on the trunk. Naturally I assumed you must have stolen the car!!”
Obviously this lady had not read the letter James wrote to the new Christians who were trying to follow the teachings of Christ. James, Jesus’ brother, has three main themes in his letter: controlling our mouth (our speech), caring for the needy, and keeping away from the bad influences of the world.
Jesus, in Mark 7, reminds us it is not what goes into our mouths that defile us, but what comes out of our mouths. For our thoughts, words and actions originate in our hearts. If Jesus’ love is in our hearts, His love should come out of our mouths and be reflected in our deeds.
God bless you as you meditate on this significant truth.
Rev. Rudy Plug
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