Walk the Talk: A Men's Bible Study in JamesНамуна

Keep it Real!

Let’s get real!

Have you ever felt that way about a situation or person? Most people pretend to some extent. And most people also become judgmental before realizing it. It’s the irony of worldly wisdom once again. The same people who themselves are pretentious, also pronounce their own judgment on the faults and fakeness of others. Likewise, they also expect understanding, not to be judged themselves. And often they are in fact us. You, me, and all of us – we are all prone and prey to judgment.

Yet only One can really judge. Only He really knows what’s happening in the hearts and lives of all men. God only knows what’s really going on in our hearts. So, let’s keep it real. Let’s ask Him to reveal to us our own hearts and give us discernment in our dealings with others.

Let’s also keep it real and call it as it is. If someone else is sinful, if someone is at fault, and if it’s true, be real and call it as it is. Yet, distinguish between the fault and the foe, between the sinner and the sin. Judge the deed and not the doer. And remember that the windows you stare through at other’s actions are also the mirrors revealing your own attitudes. Keep it real!

Furthermore, we plan our future and work with ambition towards it, but whose plans are we really following? Again, let’s keep it real! I don’t think James is advocating that we always go with the flow and never make any preparations for our families, business dealings, or travel plans. But he is stretching the point that we don’t know exactly what the future holds and should therefore submit our plans to God. Faithfully aligning our plans and purposes with His. Let’s keep whatever we do or aspire to on the straight and narrow, and then see where God leads us. Let’s be present in the here and now… Let’s keep it real!

And what about fairness? Life’s not fair, that’s a fact! Yet as God’s children we ourselves ought to be fair. In fact, we should be generous with anything we have to help and improve the lives of others. Whether we use our time, our talent, or our treasures, we should also enrich the lives of others. Not only ourselves. Let’s give because life’s not fair. Let’s treat all men equal because all of us face adversities every day. Let’s keep it real!

Therefore, whether we put others or ourselves under the microscope. Whether we set our own goals and ideals. Whether we follow our dreams and make our plans. Whether we have an abundance or live in need. Whether things are going our way or whether we are simply struggling on. Be honest. Be real. And keep it real!

Reflect on the following…

1. What challenges you the most about today’s reading?

2. How can you ‘Keep it Real’ and deal with it in your daily life?

3. What do you specifically need prayer for today? Pray about it…