James 3:1 says, My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. James said that we should not want to be masters, which I believe would refer to leaders in the church, because as such, we receive greater condemnation if we fail spiritually. Of course, if we are called to be a leader, we should not refuse. We just need to faithfully do what God calls us to do, which is really true of every Christian.
Verse two adds, For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. James said that in many things we offend all, and that if we don't offend God's word, we are perfect. Of course, only one Person was able to do this, and that is Jesus Christ. James said if we were to be perfect, we would need to control our whole body and not allow sin to rule any part of it.
Verse three continues, Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. James gave the example of putting a bit in a horse's mouth to control the horse's whole body. A bit is a small thing, but it controls the whole horse's direction.
Verse four concludes, Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. James then gives the example of a ship being guided by a small rudder even in high winds.
No comments:
Post a Comment