DOING GOD’S WORD
Kingdom Kids devotions authorize Jesus’ LORDship over our lives.
James 1:21-22: “Therefore [quick to listen but slow to speak and get angry], get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” Emphasis added.
Believers-in-Christ live humbly when we’re serious about doing what God’s word says. We never brag about knowledge about God the Father, Jesus, and being led by His Spirit. We never walk around with raised chins looking down at others, acting holier-than-them. But we do share what God has done in our lives because we live by faith in Jesus.
Ten-year-olds Tubalt and Danny interact while playing dodgeball outside during recess from fifth grade. Tubalt whispers in Danny’s ear, “Pull one of Violet’s braids.”
Danny laughs out loud, enjoying Tubalt’s challenge. Violet runs in front of him, but he misses snagging one of her braids.
“You try, Tubalt,” Danny yells.
Violet screamed. Tubalt held one of her braids that stopped her cold. The ball hit her, but missed Tubalt.
“Quit, Tubalt!” Violet yelled, swatting Tubalt on his arm. “I’m out now because of you!”
This is typical of how people interact throughout life. There’s always one person who tries to hold another down. Danny felt awful. Dodgeball lost its fun for him.
Jesus and James—who wrote the opening Scripture—were half-brothers. Mary was mom to both of them, but Joseph was James’ dad. God the Father was Jesus’ dad. James grew up as Jesus’ little brother and wrote one book that appears 8th to last in the Bible’s New Testament. Jesus taught James by example to live humbly.
What must it be like growing up with Jesus? Where was James when Jesus stayed in Jerusalem instead of returning home after celebrating the Feast of Passover? (Luke 2:41-49). See the lesson linked below for details.
When did James truly get that Jesus was God’s Son? How long did it take for him to live humbly and follow His big brother’s example? Where was James when mom was weeping at the foot of the cross for her son’s torturous death?
Take Home Nugget
Danny felt bad because it was wrong for him to try catching one of Violet’s braids.
Everyone who’s serious about being a Christian must do God’s word. We must recognize sin and avoid it. We must yield to God’s authority and obey His indwelling Spirit all the time. Even when sin sounds fun, Jesus’ followers recognize sin for what it is and don’t fall into temptation.
Holy Father, Thank You for James’ book that teach us to do Your word. Amen.
Adapted from “Receive the Word” by Dr. Tony Evans. April 10, 2018. See Alternative at www.LightSource.com
J.D. Griffith
For a personal, private lesson experience with our staff
Latest Christmas eBook by J.D. Griffith:
Here’s another eBook by J.D. Griffith:
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment