Practical Devotional Thoughts written by Atherton Residents

By: Doug Beyer, Atherton Resident since 2011

Scripture: (James 1:24-25)

They take a good look at themselves and then go away and at once forget what they look like. But if you look closely into the perfect law that sets people free, and keep on paying attention to it and do not simply listen and then forget it, but put it into practice—you will be blessed by God in what you do.

Questions for reflection and application:

  • What is there about myself that I need to remember today?
  • What is there about “the perfect law that sets people free” that I need to put into practice?

Thought for today:

James speaks about the “perfect law.” The word he uses to describe this law means “complete…accomplishing its intended end.” James is talking about the complete law that includes both the rule and the grace to keep it. He calls such a law “the law that sets people free.” This contrasts with the bondage of a bad temper. Anger isn’t freedom. It ties us in knots making us say and do things that hurt. Get free today from the vicious cycle of hurt and anger. Become who you really are: an incredibly blessed heir of God and join-heir of Jesus Christ. We know the blessings abound as this perfect law becomes realized in our lives; but it can be easy to forget without daily vigilance. In every circumstance, we will have an influence for either good or bad in the lives of everyone around us. Absorb more and more of His word and His perfect law so that you can live free.