Devotional Guide, Today’s Reading – Monday, September 7, 2020

Theme: COMMENTARY ON JAMES CHAPTERS 3 - 5

Text: “My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.” – James 3:1, 2.

Comment: There is order in the work of God.  There are those in the Church whom God has given the gift and the office of being leaders or teachers. (Romans 12:7; 1 Corinthians 12:28, 29) But some people desire to be teachers merely because they are seeking for status and power and want to shine among God’s people. They forget or do not know that the privilege also goes with responsibility in that those who preach to others must also live above board as they would be judged more strictly if after preaching to others, they failed to do what they preached. The leader should also be  very careful as to what he says. (See Luke 12:47, 48; 1 Corinthians 9:27; Proverbs 18:21)  People who see the preacher of truth and righteousness doing the opposite of what he preaches will give cause for unbelievers to make jest of the faith. On this score St. Paul stated: “Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things.” He also asked, “Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself? … For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.” – Romans 2:1, 21-24.

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