James 3-5 James has been preparing his reading audience to hear from God about what He considers the true test of our faith. It lies in the practical, not the superficial. Paul captured it precisely when he said: “For I don’t understand what I am doing. For I do not do what I want—instead, I do what I hate.” [Rom 7:15] We lie betwixt these two lifestyles more often than not, which is why James has been hammering home the idea: you say you have faith, but your life reveals that you are double-minded. You stand beneath the cross and say you believe, but your life reveals the sin-encrusted life you carry about you just as Christian carried about his burden did in Pilgrim’s Progress. Perhaps that is why Paul wrote: “Wretched man that I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death?” [Rom 7:24]

Today may I live the life I am to live: single-minded in all ways so that I may receive praise from the Father for a life that reveals my true heart. Which way am I running: God’s way or mine?