committed the crime, yet innocent > James 4

Application is infinitely harder than interpretation. As a Christian, my life is no longer of flesh, but of spirit- I have been regenerated.

"...However, you are not in flesh but in Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you." -Rom.8.9

Yet, prone to wander, Lord I feel it! God has implanted within me His very Spirit, and yet I long to find satisfaction appart from Him- yes even through dissobedience! I find joy in my perverse rebellion?!

Examples: Pete and myself found it entirely enjoyable to run a redlight at the lonely hour of 1:00 AM. No one saw it- nobody was hurt, right? Why is it wrong?

Some may not like my answer- it is wrong because

• God saw
• God was hurt
• My conscience was convicted

James 4:17So any person who knows what is right to do but does not do it, to him it is sin.

So, even in questionable situations, if it feels wrong to me, it is in actuallity wrong for me. So that's my confession- I'm not going to list all my sins, but running a red light is a little less embarrassing to use as an illustration than some of the other sins I committed this week (aka today). This all to lead us into James 4

7So be subject to God. Resist the devil [stand firm against him], and he will flee from you.

Being subject to God is a process, and requires continual effort and committment. It includes submitting our desires, attitudes, actions, and thoughts. James commands us to BE SUBJECT, so we know it is possible to do just that.

8Come close to God and He will come close to you. [Recognize that you are] sinners, get your soiled hands clean; [realize that you have been disloyal] wavering individuals with divided interests, and purify your hearts [of your spiritual adultery].

The result of sin is death. Death is separation from God. If we sin (are separated) we can not be near to God (not separated). Understanding our error and confessing sin (to God) allows for reunification, and growth in relation to God.

9[As you draw near to God] be deeply penitent and grieve, even weep [over your disloyalty]. Let your laughter be turned to grief and your mirth to dejection and heartfelt shame [for your sins].

Am I truly grieved over my sin? Sometimes sins seem trivial... have I become comfortabe with sin? Am I desensitized?

10Humble yourselves [feeling very insignificant] in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you [He will lift you up and make your lives significant].

That's a rather encouraging promise, eh? Thinking about my sin for only a few minutes is an efficient way to humble myself.

11[My] brethren, do not speak evil about or accuse one another. He that maligns a brother or judges his brother is maligning and criticizing the Law and judging the Law. But if you judge the Law, you are not a practicer of the Law but a censor and judge [of it].

12One only is the Lawgiver and Judge Who is able to save and to destroy [the One Who has the absolute power of life and death]. [But you] who are you that [you presume to] pass judgment on your neighbor?

In relation to my red-light-running story... although I may deem something sin, (bad analogy- breaking the law is a black and white issue) unless I can help a brother get out of sin, it is not my job to condemn- the law and scriptures have already condemned the sinner. I should instead share (or remind) of Christ's redemption, and the provision of His Spirit...

20Let him know that whoever turns a sinner from his evil course will save [that one's] soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.