Dirty Mirrors…
10.06.24
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it, not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it, they will be blessed in what they do. Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.” James 1:22-26
When I was in 4th grade, I played basketball for the local elementary school. Anyone that knows 4th grade basketball knows that this is not the shining example of the fundamentals of the game. Despite this fact, our coach thought this was going to be his moment to shine. Every practice included him lashing out at least one of us for not doing something right. There were even times that I remember tears welling up in his eyes as he corrected us (whether they were sad or angry tears… who’s to say…) He might have thought he knew everything about basketball, and we might have even been given some sound instructions for how to play the game, but I promise you that I remember none of them. But I do vividly remember one detail of that winless season that will stick with me forever… it was the visual of the chewing gum crusted around his lips at every game and practice. Every week while he yelled out his commands across the court my 11-year-old brain would ponder “does he feel that? Has anyone told him about this? Should I listen to him if he doesn’t even notice it?”
This stomach-turning memory reminds me of this passage from James. In the parable of the two workers in Matthew 21 we see that Jesus clearly teaches us that words are lacking if they are not accompanied by actions. We learn from the parable that it is important to be a person who’s word can be trusted. It is also important that if we recognize that we should have said or done something differently that we repent (how the worker said he wouldn’t do what was asked but then changed his mind.) This all speaks to OUR words and actions lining up. The passage from James, which is speaking specifically to the Church, is reminding us of the importance that our actions line up with HIS word (Jesus). Elsewhere in James’ instructions we get the verse that tells us “To know what is good and choose to not do, to them it is sin.” This is referred to as the “sin of omission.” Lying is sinful, so if I don’t lie, I am not sinning. That is an example of a sin of commission (committing a sin against someone.) But let’s say I am convicted by the Holy Spirit to show kindness to someone I disagree with, or how about if someone points out how my words or actions do not line up with what I claim to believe about the teachings of Jesus. These scenarios are what James is highlighting here when he repeatedly challenges us to avoid these sins of omission.
Just like the screaming basketball coach, we are sending messages to the world around us with our words, actions, and inactions. When people pay attention to us, what do they see? Now, James is not referring to our physical appearance, but if we allow these sins of omission to stack up and go unrepented, as we try to share the truth about Jesus, we are forcing people to try to overlook our stained shirt (apathy toward others), bad breath (unloving attitudes), and crusted gum (selfishness).
James goes as far as to say if we don’t make it a habit to check ourselves, see if we are reflecting Jesus or not, we rob ourselves of the blessings available from the freedom of God’s Word and our religious consumption and participation is worthless. The screaming coach, who wanted us to play better for his own sake (regardless of whether we enjoyed or benefitted from him) showed no signs of peace or joy in his role. If we see our role as Jesus followers as just memorizing scriptures just to be sure our neighbors hear it (whether they like it or not!) and neglect to first use the Word as a mirror to allow Christ to shape our lives for His best intentions, we too should not be surprised by our lack of joy or peace.
This is not intended to lead anyone to guilt or shame. The intent of James is to help us find true freedom to live out God’s best for us. But to live in this freedom, when the Word and Spirit reveal something in the reflections of our life that is in disarray, it is up to us to acknowledge it and allow God to clean us up again.