“For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles in one point, he has become guilty of all” (James 2:10).
We are saved by grace apart from works of the law. But we are saved for a purpose, and a part of that purpose is that we become like Christ. Put these two things together and you begin to understand what James is saying. Your heart will reflect who you are. The goal is perfection (completion of the Holy Spirit’s work) and the Lord of Life will not stop until that is accomplished. Come then willingly into the work of the Lord.
If James is the brother of the Lord, then he would have spent his childhood with Jesus. He would understand some of the things that can only be understood within family dynamics. Regardless of why, sometimes the church either goes overboard with legalism, or else underwhelms with antinomianism. Do not go in either direction. Hear what Scripture says and with prudence be temperate in all things.
Lord, You have saved me, but there is still work to be done. You said be perfect even as the Father is perfect. That was not a suggestion. Lead me, O Lord, to know that You will work today and every day in me to bring about what has always been intended. Guide me, Lord, in the way of life so that I would now and always look to You, the author and finisher of my faith, to bring to completion all that is needed. Amen.
