And we close this letter of James and in particular his appeal to the community of believers to use their words for God.
“My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, 20 remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.” (James 5 v 19-20)
There are times when disciples fall away from the church for all kinds of reasons and often it is too late because they had not drawn into their lives proper accountability partners to help them from falling.
This has nothing to do with getting even nor about someone dealing with their hurt or anger, venting and seeking vengeance.
This is all about reconciliation back into the community of believers.
This is all about taking responsibility for each other.
This is all about spurring one another on, iron sharpening iron, accountability and making sure disciples don’t fall away.
May the Disciples of Christ remain in position! That must be our prayer and focus of activity. This is not about what to do if you get your feelings hurt but rather about making sure no more fall away.
Who are you walking with?
We don’t need to hang around people who tickle our ears and who sympathise with our lack.
We need friends who will not deceive us but who are not afraid to speak the truth to us.
Western Christianity is so individualistic. We have our own walk with God, we hear God individually and we make decisions alone. But not so in other parts of the world where community is powerful and decisions are made as a group. Perhaps this is the way it should be. Maybe there would be less mistakes made if others advised us.
It is never too late to bring into your life accountability partners who will continually ask you “Why do you think, speak and behave this way?”
An unchecked, unquestioned person is not a strong person. Strength is not in what you can amass, or the people around you, it is not in a title or a position. It is whether or not you have been bridled.
If you see a destructive flaw in your friend’s life and say nothing then you are no friend.
A friend continues to reach out to save spurred on by a Saviour who covers over a multitude of our sins and theirs. If there is one letter in the whole of the N.T. that is focused on practical Christianity then it is James. He doesn’t say farewell. He doesn’t sign off. He stops writing in the middle of an activity. That of helping to save our fellow believers from falling away. Practical. Very important and needed as much in 2024 as when it was first written.
Missions Paul 