Are you delusional?

Practical Christianity:

Are you delusional?

James has a powerful message for us, and it carries through to the end of chapter 1.

James is very concerned that his congregation might be kidding themselves.

They are very vulnerable to being taken in by a very subtle and seductive lie.

JAM 1:16-27

Three times James tells his congregation not to deceive themselves. Verses 16, 22, and 26.

But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.

The seductive lie is that we only have to concern ourselves with hearing the word of God.

That somehow it’s optional to do what it says!
That is so wrong.

A delusion is a false belief that is based on an incorrect interpretation of reality.

A delusional person will firmly hold on to a false belief despite clear evidence to the contrary.

And with respect to the word of God that clear evidence is our deeds.

Apparently we are easily deceived.

GAL 6:1-10

GAL 6:3 For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

GAL 6:7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.

The antidote to being delusional is to examine our own work and to do good.

1CO 15:10
TIT 2:11-15
TIT 3:4-8
EPH 5:15-16

Paul is just as concerned as James is about the danger that lurks in the seductive lie

the seductive lie that grace means it doesn’t matter what we do.

But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.