By Suzanne Benner 

We've all met people who were tied up with rules that govern every step they make. The only time those people appear happy is when they are condemning someone else for not being as righteous as they are. Believe me, I should know, I lived like that for many years.

I think it is the self-righteous types who are shackled by the law whom James is describing when he says, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says" (James 1:22.)

Are you giving the word only surface attention without allowing it to change your heart? That is deceptive.

The book of James is all about leading a consistent life in Christ. Listening and doing are required; faith and actions are necessary.

You can't believe one thing but do another. You can't consider yourself a good Christian yet allow your tongue to wag with the latest gossip. Listen to the strong language James uses. "If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless" (James 1:26.)

Hard hitting statements about gossip and favouritism (James 2:1 – 9) call the Pharisee in us up short. James doesn't allow us to entertain the delusion that those things aren't as bad as other sins. He says, "For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it" (James 2:10.)

When our thoughts and actions are aligned with our faith, we experience the joy of serving Jesus rather than the bondage of following rules.

~Jesus, I want to live a life that is consistent. Help me to not just listen to Your Word, but to also do what is says.