‘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.’ (v25) James 1:19–27
The Bible is a down to earth and practical guide to living the Christian life. It serves as our ambassador’s handbook, as we represent God’s interests in a world that has all but lost sight of God. Knowing Scripture is only useful in as far as it redirects our steps to follow closely in those of Jesus.
Many of my preconceptions about life, forged through family and education, have come up short when confronted by Scripture. I recall my mum constantly advising me not to stick my neck out.
Her preferred illustration, the tortoise. It withdraws its vulnerable head and neck within a defensive shell. But, as I reminded her, the tortoise makes no progress unless and until it sticks its neck out. Scripture invites us to stick our necks out. We are not to be dictated to by peer pressure or social norms.
God has one clear purpose; to make Jesus’ name known to the farthest parts of the globe (Matt. 28:19–20). The risk is all part of our adventure in serving God. To follow Scripture’s instruction may mean some spring cleaning as we reorder our lives so that they can reflect God’s truths from the Bible.
The bottom line is that knowing about God without living like Jesus is not to embrace the challenge of being a contemporary disciple. This requires courage and conviction, both of which are found in spades within the pages of the Bible.
RELATED SCRIPTURE TO CONSIDER: Psa. 119:129–136; Prov. 2; Matt. 4:1–4; 7:21–29.
AN ACTION TO TAKE: Take time with your Ambassador’s handbook and determine how you can best represent God’s interests to everyone you meet today, and every day.
A PRAYER TO MAKE: ‘Lord, help me to take a risk in living God’s way and representing God’s interests everywhere I go. Amen.’
Photo by VitalikRadko from Depositphotos | Photo by Marcus Dietachmair on Unsplash
