"Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." ( James 4:17). The book of James has been considered an annoyance to some die hard Calvinists as it emphasizes works as well as faith. For instance, it discusses Abraham being justified by works ( James 2:21) and Rahab ( James 2:25).
Sins; therefore can be of commission or omission. There are many exhortations in scripture; one of he most frightening is that cowards are named among other grievous sins as a group who will not inherit the Kingdom of heaven ( Rev. 21:8). Therefore; we are without excuse if we always "go along to get along" and if we desire to live a cloistered existence and not let our light shine before men we are not living as the Lord desires. During persecution; of course it takes wisdom at times especially when there are other family members involved as to when to speak and when not to. The other side of this equation is a lack of patience; where we become so fearful of our needs being provided that we aren't taking things into prayer and trusting His guidance. Jesus Himself at times withdrew Himself from the crowds; He knew there was the appointed time to die and didn't let all the other attempts on His life distract Him.
In all these things then; it truly is faith that allows us to work in His strength. James 2:26 is interesting with the analogy of a body without the spirit (human spirit) present is dead. All of our talk is empty without action which is prompted and motivated by our love for God having us keep His commandments ( John 14:15).
Also; it seems apparent that we should; more than ever keep the admonition in Hebrews 10:25. As a Body; a cord of two or three isn't easily broken ( Ecclesiastes 4:12). Helping a brother or sister in Christ really is helping ourselves as Christ lives in all the saints. The concept of being the hands and feet of God gives a tangible representation of heaven; which is more than an amorphous light or mist.
Sins; therefore can be of commission or omission. There are many exhortations in scripture; one of he most frightening is that cowards are named among other grievous sins as a group who will not inherit the Kingdom of heaven ( Rev. 21:8). Therefore; we are without excuse if we always "go along to get along" and if we desire to live a cloistered existence and not let our light shine before men we are not living as the Lord desires. During persecution; of course it takes wisdom at times especially when there are other family members involved as to when to speak and when not to. The other side of this equation is a lack of patience; where we become so fearful of our needs being provided that we aren't taking things into prayer and trusting His guidance. Jesus Himself at times withdrew Himself from the crowds; He knew there was the appointed time to die and didn't let all the other attempts on His life distract Him.
In all these things then; it truly is faith that allows us to work in His strength. James 2:26 is interesting with the analogy of a body without the spirit (human spirit) present is dead. All of our talk is empty without action which is prompted and motivated by our love for God having us keep His commandments ( John 14:15).
Also; it seems apparent that we should; more than ever keep the admonition in Hebrews 10:25. As a Body; a cord of two or three isn't easily broken ( Ecclesiastes 4:12). Helping a brother or sister in Christ really is helping ourselves as Christ lives in all the saints. The concept of being the hands and feet of God gives a tangible representation of heaven; which is more than an amorphous light or mist.
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