Diverted
James 2:10 “For whoever
keeps the whole law yet stumbles at just one point is breaking all of it.”
If you know me at all,
you know that I can get easily diverted. I don't do this in a hyperactive kind
of way, but more in a depth-of-thought kind of way. (Okay, maybe I am giving
myself too much credit with that last statement.) Let me explain. Whether in
conversation or in my writing, when I am moved to a response or a line of
thinking, I can jump around a bit. This is what I have done on this blog ever
since I proclaimed I was going to dive into the Book of James, and I asked you
all to dive in with me. Diverted!
So, I am going to
refocus this evening and take another plunge. I was drawn to the very
difficult verse above. This verse…ugh! Just when I think I am doing pretty well
on my faith journey, I read a truth bomb like this one. Hey kid, you break one,
you have broken them all. How can this be? My sin is not as bad as someone else’s,
and I am trying really hard, God! Plus, You know I am a fragile imperfect
human, and – although forgiven – I still am a sinner. These words seem so
harsh. Sigh, and kick the dirt.
Ah, and then we move on
to verses 12 & 13, and clarity comes. “Speak and act as those who are going
to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgement without mercy
will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful.” So, verse 10 is to have me
remember that I, too, will be judged, but God will do so mercifully. If I think
I am not as bad a sinner as someone else, and I get all high and mighty, I am
much more apt to judge others. Boom. I am not called to judge at all, although I
am called to help a fellow believer if they have fallen away from God. I should
always remember, however, that I must do so with compassion, prayer, grace and
love. When doing so, I should always turn to the Word of God for direction and
wisdom, and never come at anyone with harsh rebuking. I must always remember “Mercy
triumphs over judgement.”
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