James’ letter helped me a lot. I learned a lot about what to do and what not to do. It really is a practical book that we can (no must!) read and study over and over again so that the words can guide our lives out there in the world.

We, called children of God, are not immune to the devil’s attacks. On the contrary! We get challenged, and in fact, it’s a lifelong struggle to stay upright and not take the tempting but wrong turn.

That’s why it’s so important that we study God’s Word daily so that it can guide our lives and protect us from making the wrong decisions.

Unfortunately, not everyone gets it right. Some people turn away from God for one reason or another and are headed in the wrong direction. Maybe someone in the church hurt them, and they cannot believe in a loving Father anymore.

Perhaps the world lured them away. Maybe their spouse never believed; now they don’t either. Maybe their hearts were just too hurt, and they now have a grudge against God that prevents them from turning back.

In each of our lives, there is someone like that. Think carefully. It won’t take long before the Holy Spirit imprints a name on your heart.

That person’s name does not come to mind by chance. We have a responsibility to help them see the light again. Remember, the darkness cannot kill the light. As soon as a small light is lit, the darkness runs away.

I just wonder if darkness is afraid of light. I may not have an answer to this almost comical question, but I know it is not at all difficult for light to dispel darkness. Just take a small match. As soon as it is drawn and the head catches fire, the darkness stands aside.

I wonder why we are so afraid to turn on the light in the dark world. The light and the Light are not afraid of the dark at all. Already there on Calvary, Jesus overcame the darkness. The devil has been defeated.

You and I have a task and an assignment. We must be the light in the dark world. By the way we live, we must help others to return to the light and the Light. If one of our friends or family has lost their way and is floundering in the dark, we must help them.

 ¹⁹My dear friends, if you know people who have wandered off from God’s truth, don’t write them off. Go after them. ²⁰Get them back and you will have rescued precious lives from destruction and prevented an epidemic of wandering away from God.

May we live the writing of James out there in the world and make it visible to those who do not see. May our lives reflect the light so that others see what they are doing wrong in the dark, and may they turn back to the Light with the help of the Holy Spirit. What a wonderful day that would be here and in heaven!

Scripture
James 5:13-20

Reflection
To whom should you bring the light?
How?
When?

Prayer
Father, I know I have a very important assignment: to bring Your light out in the dark world where so many people are lost. Help me. Give me the chance and the strength to do it. I ask this in Jesus’ Name. Amen.