Tuesday; June 16
What is godliness? What is expected of Christian believers? I think that it is easy to convince ourselves that we just have to believe (and say) the right things, but is that enough to be pleasing to God and compelling to our fellow man? The other day I came across a passage that observes, “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.” (James 3:17). James begins by making sure that we know that it all starts with believing and during what is right (purity), but notice that we don’t get points by being terse. Mixed into the formula are principles that help us build relationships: the ability to get along, a concern for others and a willingness to be understanding. He seems to conclude with a need to be firm in our faith, but also a responsibility to be righteous. Genuine religion isn’t about who can holler the loudest or be the most aggressiv...