Sunday, June 27, 2010

June 27, 2010

"If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. For he who said, "Do not commit adultery" also said, "Do not murder." If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker. Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!" James 2:8-13



Remember when you were in school and your teacher tried to challenge by reminding you that the grade you earned for this class would go on your "permanent record"?


Sometimes that motivated you and sometimes it didn't. Your permanent record only mattered if you were concerned about your long-term success. The contents of your permanent record could help open or close some doors for you in the future.


If you weren't concerned about your future, your "permanent record" didn't matter to you. Maybe at that point in your life you were more concerned about spending time with your friends or watching TV or playing video games or anything more pleasurable than studying!


In this portion of Scripture James reminds you that you have a "permanent record" and how you treat others goes on your "permanent record". When it comes time to determine your eternal destination God will look at your "permanent record" and reward you accordingly.
If you believe your "permanent record" matters, make sure you show love and respect to others. Always be sure you treat others as you like to be treated. Don't prejudge others and don't let your prejudices prevent you from helping connect people with God. Your purpose must always be more important than your personal preferences.
Make sure your "permanent record" is pleasing to God. If it is, you'll become permanent!