A Final Word
This is my final devotional on the epistle of James. Today I’ve come to the end of chapter 5, and the last two verses of the book - 19 & 20. And it’s a fitting close because James has spent much of his time urging his brothers and sisters in Christ to steer from error and continue in the truth. In this final passage James summarises what he’s been saying all along. He tells us two things - one which may happen to some of us, and one which all of us should do.
Some of us may stray from the truth.
All of us must bring people to the truth.
For the final time let me bring us to the passage:
James 5:19-20 NIV [19] My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, [20] remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.
Some of us may stray: It’s sobering to remember that all of us are prone to falling from the faith. It’s more than likely to start subtly - a ‘wandering away,’ more than ‘falling off a cliff.’ It’s when we embrace the little errors in doctrine and it’s when we accommodate the small compromises in morality. They lead us on a tangent, a deviation off-cou.rse. Travel that road far enough and one day it’s possible to find oneself far from God, and living a life we once considered unthinkable. How many people do we know that were once strong Christians, demonstrating a vibrant faith, and now rarely even go to church. …Paul writes to the Corinthians:
1 Corinthians 10:12 NIV [12] So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don't fall!
Our human frailty ought always to remind us of our constant need to strive against sin, to feed regularly on God’s Word, be constant in prayer, and engage in warm Christian fellowship. Neglect any of these and we’re in danger of drift
All of us must bring people to the truth. It’s always an anxious moment, especially for families and friends, when someone is reported missing in the wilderness. Search and rescue teams spring into action. We wait expectantly for any word of locating the missing person. It’s a moment of great joy if they find the person alive and well, but a time of great sorrow when they’re too late. …If you are a Christian, then you’re a member of God’s search and rescue team. Our mission is to reach the lost and encourage the weak in faith.
Do you know someone who has wandered off into the wilderness, perhaps they’ve once been in a circle of your Christian friends and now are no longer there. James would remind us of our responsibility to work to bring that person back. Surely it starts with prayer, and then a gentle approach. Paul writes:
Galatians 6:1 NIV [1] Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.
Two things in the closing verses of the Book of James - Some of us may stray from the truth, and all of us must bring people to the truth. …We’ll pray.
Heavenly Father I thank you for what I’ve learnt from the Book of James. It has shown me much wisdom. I thank you as well for those who have contributed to this morning devotional. May writers and readers alike seek to put Your Words into practice. …And Lord keep me from straying, and help me to turn others to you. Amen.