Anyone who slanders or judges another is trying to be a judge, but there isonly one Lawgiver and Judge who can save and destroy. - P51
None of us knowwhat will happen tomorrow. We are like mist that vanishes after a little while.
It is evil to boast in one‘s arrogant schemes, and it is a sin not to do the goodone knows one should do. - P51
James issues a stern command for believers not to slander one another.
- P52
He argues that speaking maliciously against someone‘s reputation andcharacter is actually an indictment against God‘s very law. - P52
God alonepossesses the authority to judge our wrongdoings, and His Word is theonly source of truth that prescribes what is right and what is sinful.
- P52
Our personal judgments of others, on the other hand, are often biasedand inaccurate; our perspectives are limited and our motives tend to beimpure. - P52
Rather than use our words to speak against another, we shouldlook into the mirror of God‘s Word and make an honest assessment ofour own sinfulness. - P52
Let us turn our focus inward and ask the Spirit tomold us into the likeness of Christ. - P52
James addresses yet another form of speech that Christians shouldavoid: bragging about one‘s future plans while failing to take God‘ssovereign plan into account. - P52
In a manner akin to the Bible‘s wisdomwriters, James reminds his readers that their lives are short and theirpersonal plans are insignificant in comparison to the bigger picturethat God has mapped out for His creation. - P52
Rather than boastfully announcing
one‘s worldly ambitions, believers should submit their entire alives to God‘s will by seeking first His kingdom and righteousness.
- P52
When we follow God‘s will and obey Him by the power of His grace,
then our only boast will be in the great things that God is doing in andthrough our lives. - P52
Lord God, life is too short to waste on judging others or pursuing self-centeredplans. - P52
Help me to fix my eyes on things above and to seek first Your kingdomand righteousness in all that I say and do. In Jesus‘ name, amen. - P52
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