The conclusion to James is this
As it happens, the cure for a fractured heart is anything but law-keeping. According to James, the only cure is the gospel—that is, humbly receiving the grace of God.
As it happens, the cure for a fractured heart is anything but law-keeping. According to James, the only cure is the gospel—that is, humbly receiving the grace of God.
We can readily see how James deals with two distinct issues in James 4:13-5:6, but pride and materialism tie them together.
We may consider ourselves God-pleasing people, but James says, “I see pride, double-mindedness, and a desperate need for repentance.” Thankfully, God gives greater grace.
If anything reveals our double-mindedness and fractured hearts, it is our tongues, speech, and the words we speak. There is a direct connection between the heart and the mouth.
The greatest danger is knowing about God, accepting Christ and his gospel intellectually, and identifying as a Christian without it transforming our lives.
Whether it’s a celebrity, winning the championship game, or the breathtaking view at the top of a mountain, our hearts are attracted to glory for better or worse.
James is trying to show us how to mend our divided hearts and lead us toward singular devotion to God. Where does that start? It starts with the word of God.
James’s overarching theme is that we become whole and people of integrity. However, James does not instruct us to rely on ourselves. He continually points us to God.
James may not be the most systematic author of the Bible, but there is a central theme connecting all of his epistle’s various teachings—double-mindedness.