The Daily Word

 

Which is the most down to earth book in the Bible which gives practical spiritual advice? Well, I would be hard-pressed to find one more direct than the book of James. James was the ‘brother’ of Jesus, in the respect that Mary was his mother. but Joseph was his father. Maybe he followed his father’s profession as a carpenter, which is a very practical trade.

As part of our established stock of sayings that we might quote, e.g., ‘too many cooks spoil the broth’, we have adopted one that James originally wrote. Our version is, ‘Actions speak louder than words’. James wrote almost the same thought about our spiritual life when he said, “Be doers of the Word, not just hearers!” We can listen to many speakers who give excellent spiritual teaching; we can spend hours reading the Bible but never put either of the lessons we learn into practice. So the true benefit to our spiritual growth is nil!.

We need to approach both reading and listening with our spiritual eyes opened by the Holy Spirit and to be prepared to change. Only then will we be of real use to God who has given us everything of value in our lives.

Article written by Brian Preston, Elder @SFGH Church