Monday, January 5, 2009
Hallo Laydees.
Happy 2009 to all. I know we are supposed to be finished with James but I haven't so I will still blog about it ahahaha. I'll try to get up to speed with Philippians!
James 2
Not showing favouritism. What the bible talks about in Jas 2:1-4 reminds me of the idea of discrimination. How we (I think this idea of justice and fairness was expounded in Ps. Wilson's sermon before too) should treat people equally and appropriately. Besides the obvious not discriminating people in in general, I feel it applies especially within the Body of Christ too, how we treat our visitors, brothers and sisters, seekers, new believers, leaders. (I believe James was focused about the meeting of believers as he said 'suppose a man comes into your meeting'- v 2). Although there are people from different 'categories' but as believers we should aim to be warm and welcomign to everyone, not talk less to one person coz they are immature, weird or talk more to someone else coz they seem cool or 'our type'. Easier said than done I know, humans being naturally clickish, but we are renewed daily in our faith amen! will be a good resolution for this year onwards...heh.
Another part of this chapter that stood out for me actually came out after my chat with siow wei where we were talking about the concept of 'faith without deeds is dead'. In Romans 4, it speaks about Abraham, what he did, sacrificing his son to God - Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness (cross ref to Gen 15:6). Romans 4: 5 says that "However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness".
However James went on further than that in Jas 2: 22-24, saying that "[Abraham's] faith was made complete by what he did," and that "a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone" Thus it seems to me that while faith and trust in God is part of our obedience in Him, and is something righteous, there needs to be the follow-up of action, that is a natural extension of that faith, like what Abraham did. On reflection, there were many situations in my life where I sort of trusted God in my mind, believing He is great and in control and all that, but my actions did not quite follow that faith. I like the phrase "make complete" - think it sums up, what I need to learn more of :)
PS. On another note. My hair is nw brown with a tinge of red. Supposed to be subtle highlights but the assistant didnt get the message from the supervisor (name is Michael Ling, supposedly styled Miss World in 1987 and Andy Lau long time ago, so u get his age haaha). Ohwell, don't worry its nt that different :)
Michelle
