Wow, it’s unbelievable how our lives have been changed by technology! Of course, some of it is not good, but some apps have broadened and improved our worlds considerably.

Take WhatsApp, for instance. Information is flying everywhere, and we immediately know what is happening in the world. There are no more limits, and no distance is too far to keep you from knowing what is happening in your loved ones’ lives.

I have a bunch of groups on my phone. There’s our family group and my siblings’ group. My school pals’ group (we’ve been together since primary school!), rugby-watching pals’ group, and all the different groups in our ministry.

There’s a reason why I’m a member of every group. I’m in the rugby-watching group because our friends are always looking for an excuse to go and watch rugby somewhere. So, as soon as we hear about the next match, the phones start buzzing with arrangements for watching it somewhere.

A joke or funny video often flies around the school pals’ group. For example, my friends know I close my eyes when I see a snake, so they often tease me with videos of life-sized snakes.

However, I’ve realised that you qualify in a way to become a member of a group. If I no longer try to go and watch rugby with the rugby-watching group, I could lose my status as rugby watching pal and be kicked out of the group.

If I don’t share in the jokes on the school pals’ group and do not go to the braais either, I may be disqualified and kicked out of the group.

Every member must keep the unique character trait that gave them access to the group alive. My family, for example, is earnest about everybody participating, even if it is just using the thumbs-up emoji. If you do not participate, they will take you on about it; that’s how serious they are.

We now know much more about what is happening in one another’s lives than in the past, bringing us closer together.

In the same way, we who believe are all members of the friends of Jesus group. When we become children of God, we automatically become part of this group. And just like with our WhatsApp groups, there are specific requirements for remaining a group member. And it’s straightforward:

¹⁷Isn’t it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense? No acts will get you kicked out of the friends of God group.

Let’s take this instruction seriously and keep our places in the friends of God group by acting. This way, we make a difference in people’s lives, and they start longing to become members of the same group.

Scripture
James 2:14-26

Reflection
Are you a member of the friends of God group?
Or is your membership in the balance?
Or are you doing?

Prayer
Father, I know I belong to your friends’ group, but my membership is sometimes not in balance. I’m sorry! I will open my eyes and start doing. In Jesus’ Name.