There is an old saying, “Practice what you preach.” This commonly used proverb is rooted in a Biblical principle that stresses the importance that our words be consistent with the outworking of our deeds. God’s glorification in our lives solely depends on what faith our speech and actions are derived from: the Law of God or of man. In our focus text, James emphasizes that a profession of faith without accompanying actions is worthless. This exhortation ought to be heeded in the light of the fact that all shall face judgement before Christ to accounting for both. He offers two simple instructive points that every Christian should carefully pray over and respond to in obedience.
Live consistently with Biblical faith. James says, “So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty” (v12). Our words and deeds should harmonize together if we are to demonstrate the evidence of a Christ-led life (Jam 2:26). Additionally, he is careful to reminds us that we should practice our faith in light of future judgement that should serve as divine guard rails to our daily lives, thus, “So speak and so act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty.” The law (the Word of God) is the only thing in creation that offers true liberty. Why?
- It is not simply a list of rules and regulations.
- It is perfect and complete, which is a direct reflection of its source……God.
- It contains God’s Word which flows to mankind from his perfect love. God doesn’t just demonstrate his love, He is love (1 Jn 4:7-8).
Only when our words and deeds align with “Law of Liberty” will the Christian prosper. In contrast, when we decide to live in a contradictory way to this truth (i.e., according to the sinful nature), we trade in true freedom for counterfeit liberty. This is why we need daily communion before God, so we can have our words and deeds examined under the light of his Word that brings liberation.
Mercy triumphs over judgement. The Bible teaches that both believer and non-believer will stand before Christ in the day of judgement. The only commonality between the groups is that they are both sinners. None are perfect, for all have transgressed God’s law of liberty (Rom 3:23). In that day, both will appeal to the mercy of God, but one will receive it. Why? Only those who believe in Jesus for salvation (not their own self-righteousness) shall receive mercy and grace unto eternal life. Remember James’s audience of his letter. He is speaking to the church. The true Christian will practice a lifestyle of mercy that accords with God’s Word. James teaches, “For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumph over judgement” (v13, cf., Mt 18:21-35).
This is heart of James’s exhortation: Speak and act in a way that reciprocates to others the mercy we have received in accordance with our faith in Jesus Christ. To live that way God does is true freedom, which is only found in the law of liberty. To be clear, acting in mercy is not severable from a desire for justice. These two principles work together in the eyes of God. The point is we ordained as agents of mercy (as those who have received mercy) and trust judgment to God (Rom 12:19-21). Obedience to these biblical truth brings freedom and the peace of God.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com