Work 1

1 Corinthians 13:12

Recently, while looking into the Book of James, it struck me that this letter tucked away near the end of the Bible was a great “how to” book. James seems to be an instruction manual on how to be a Christian. And so, I thought looking at how we can be stronger Christians might be a great way to begin a new year.

There are so many people and so many different approaches to worship all under the same umbrella of the “Christian” label. Is one group right and all the others wrong? What is the best way to be a Christian?

I am certain every person has his or her own answers to those questions. For myself, there are various degrees of Christianity – various stages of maturity. If we will be truly Christian, if we will truly follow the examples of our Lord Jesus Christ, then we must achieve some level of maturity and growth in our faith.

One important aspect of being a Christian is loving other people. Today’s passage comes from what has been labeled as the “Love Chapter” in 1 Corinthians. It talks about all the different aspects of love and how to show it and share it. What image is presented here? How is this a lesson for expressing love?

To be a Christian we must grow into Christians. And that requires that our faith must go beyond the simple confession of faith. It is essential that we believe in the sacrifice of Jesus and that we recognize Jesus as our Savior, but if our belief does not go beyond that point it is very shallow indeed.

All who know and accept Jesus are Christians. Those who work on their relationship with Christ are maturing. And those who are able to live out their faith, as is talked about in James, are more mature in their faith.

If we will show the love of Christ and share the work of being Christian, then we are doing more than looking into a dim mirror. We are opening our hearts and souls up to deeper understanding and inviting God to be part of who we are.

DAILY CHALLENGE: How would you rate your faith? What evidence can you offer others and yourself that you are at the level you see yourself?