Today, I'm going to go through one of my favorite Bible passages. I'm thinking that I'm going to go through random passages until I get to spring break (10 days!!), then I'll start going through a book of the Bible. James is a book that cuts straight to the core; it doesn't take time to go through soft issues. Though it's only a few chapters long, it holds many examples of how we should live as Christians.
James 1:19-27
19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.
26 Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. 27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
This passage always reminds me of my need to read the Bible on a continuous basis. It's not it flowery language; it's short and sweet, so there's not too much debate on the literal meaning of the passage. I love the imagery of a man looking in the mirror, not only because it fit the situation perfectly, but because we can still relate to it today.
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