God is life giving

Who gave you life? Did earthly parents? Yes, but ultimately God our heavenly Father did. James mentions four dimensions of this life which are linked to God’s word. (James 1:13-27) He says that God gave us birth through the word of truth (verse 18). When we hear the good news about Jesus and believe in him we are “born again”. (John 3) This means we begin a new life with God. Secondly, we receive salvation through the implanted word (verse 21). A seed of spiritual life is implanted and growing in us. This seed takes root, grows and bears fruit as we let the rule and reign of God take hold in every area of our lives. (Compare the parable of the Sower – Mark 4:1-20) Finally, we experience freedom through the perfect law (verse 25). God’s word is like a mirror which shows us who we are so that we can become who God intends us to be. (Meditate on Psalm 119 for a deeper insight into this concept)

The result of opening our lives to God in these ways is a righteous life not dominated by anger or evil (verse 19-21) but a self- controlled tongue and a compassionate lifestyle. (verse 26-27) What about you? Are you depending on his unchanging nature? Are you drawing on his life-giving power?