Today’s Reading | James 1:19-27
True Salvation
If you were to make a list of three characteristics that demonstrate that one is truly saved, what three would you choose? You probably would not choose the three that James did in this passage. He lists three ways to be certain that one is truly saved. There are more people than you can imagine who sincerely feel that they are born again and, in reality, are not. The first test is that a true believer keeps a tight rein on his tongue (vs26). James uses this test because according to Christ, the mouth reveals the true condition of one’s heart. Listen to yourself talk and you will know the true condition of your heart. Second, one who is truly saved looks after orphans and widows (vs27). The object of your charity reveals your motivation. Do you reach out to well liked people who can do something for you in return? Or do you reach out to the unlovely or unpopular? What then does your motivation reveal? Third, James says that true religion keeps itself from being polluted by the world (vs27). What we allow to influence us reveals the level of our commitment.
Today’s Questions
Say What?
Observation: What do I see?
So What?
Interpretation: What does it mean?
Now What?
Application: How does it apply to me?
Then What?
Implementation: What do I do?