Seeing More Clearly the Reflection of Jesus
On Sunday, Pastor Sean continued our “Who Am I Becoming?” series as we dug into the transformative wisdom found in James 1:19-27, a passage that calls us to examine not just what we believe, but who we are becoming. James writes with urgency and clarity, offering a guidebook for living out authentic faith in the midst of pressure and persecution. He challenges us to move beyond passive listening and into active obedience, reminding us that the true test of our faith is not in what we know, but in how we live.
The section of scripture that Sean focused on this week begins by highlighting the importance of being quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger. These are not just good manners; they are spiritual disciplines that reveal the state of our hearts. Our words and reactions are like thermometers, exposing what is truly inside us. When anger and careless speech bubble up, it’s a sign that we need the healing and cleansing that only God’s Word can provide. The implanted Word, the book of James says, is able to save us—not just in an eternal sense, but in the daily transformation of our character.
But the book of James doesn’t stop at diagnosis; it offers a remedy. We are called to be doers of the Word, not hearers only. Scripture uses the vivid image of a person looking in a mirror and then forgetting their own face—a warning against spiritual amnesia. It’s not enough to agree with God’s truth; we must let it shape our actions, our relationships, and our priorities. This is where faith becomes real: in the daily choices to listen, to control our tongues, to pursue purity, and to serve those in need.
This passage concludes by defining “pure and undefiled religion” as caring for orphans and widows and keeping ourselves unstained by the world. This is a call to compassionate service, to move toward the marginalized, and to let our faith have tangible impact. The journey of transformation is not just for our own sake, but for the sake of the world God loves. As we lock arms as a community, we become the kind of people who reflect Christ’s image—both in the mirror and in the world.
Reflection Questions
- Think about your last week. Was there a moment when you reacted quickly in anger or spoke without listening? What would it look like to practice being “quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger” in that situation?
- Sean said our words and reactions are like thermometers for our hearts. Is there a pattern in your words or reactions that shows an area where you need God’s transforming grace? What is one step you can take to invite God’s healing in that area?
- James calls us to be doers, not just hearers. Is there a specific teaching from God’s Word that you know but have struggled to put into practice? What is one practical way you can act on it this week?
- Sean challenged us to move from passive agreement to active obedience. What is one area of your life where you tend to agree with God’s truth but find it hard to act on it? What support or accountability would help you take the next step?
- James says pure religion is caring for orphans and widows and keeping ourselves unstained by the world. Who are the “orphans and widows” in your life or community—those who are vulnerable or overlooked? What is one way you can serve or care for them this month?
Watch the Message
Worship Songs from June 15
- “Evidence”
- “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)”
- “Only A Holy God”
- “I Will Follow”