When Jesus called, “Come follow Me” to His first disciples (Matthew 4:19), what did they think He meant?
In recent years, Sweet Bridget and I have been on a journey, discovering more and more of what it looks like to follow our Lord Jesus in loving obedience.
James is a great book on this topic filled with Jewish-style wisdom from a Jesus-loving Jewish leader. James was actually the brother of the Messiah. His focus isn’t primarily doctrine or logic but the practical outworking of our faith, how faith works out in everyday life.
According to Dr. Gordon Fee, James is “…the New Testament counterpart of the Jewish Wisdom tradition, now in light of the teachings of Jesus.” As a result, James calls God’s people to practically walk out our faith in Jesus every single day.
“As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” James 2:26
My heart’s desire is to grow as a disciple of Jesus, following in His footsteps (1 John 2:6). As I spend time in His Word, I’m developing the habits of identifying:
- A specific way “I will…” put into practice in my life what I’m learning
- Someone else who might benefit or be encouraged by hearing something I’m learning
- Actually following through and sharing with that person within 48 hours
Both have been great disciplines to help me exercise my "faith muscles" as a growing disciple of Jesus who follows in His footsteps and practically applies what He’s teaching me.
As you get your fingerprints on God’s Word today and the next time you gather with a group to open the Bible, spend some time to reflect and share…
- What’s your “I will…” (your next step of obedience)?
- Who do you feel prompted to share with?
Then comment and tell us how it went. Or share with us how you exercise your "faith muscles" as a growing disciple of Jesus.
