James reminds us that “whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.” (James 2:10) The term “law” as used here is singular.

When we commit murder, we break God’s law. When corrupt speech comes from the mouth of a professing Christian, we have broken God’s law. Paul said, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up…” (Ephesians 4:29)

It is easy to condemn the sins we have labeled as major sins. We are quick to condemn the sins of others. But we tend to condone or try to justify our own sin, especially those sins we perceive to be acceptable.

For instance, most of us would like to make our anger acceptable. We often feel justified in our anger.

But look at what Jesus said: “You’re familiar with the command to the ancients, ‘Do not murder.’ I’m telling you that anyone who is so much as angry with a brother or sister is guilty of murder. Carelessly call a brother ‘idiot’ and you just might find yourself hauled into court. Thoughtlessly yell ‘stupid’ at a sister and you are on the brink of hellfire. The simple moral fact is that words kill.’” (Matthew 5:21-22 — The Message)

Are you willing to ask the Lord to sensitize you to the things in your life that are displeasing to him? That is a positive step in the direction of living the holy life that God has called us to live.

Are you open to the spirit of God and are you willing to allow him to speak to you about things that should not exist in your life?

Would you be willing to pray with the Psalmist, “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out anything in me that offends you and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” (Psalm 139:23-24 — New Living Translation)

If you truly want God’s will to be done in your life, be willing to crawl up on the examination table and say, “God, go ahead, and turn on the searchlight of my soul. Examine my life. Illuminate the dark corners of my heart. Show me what needs to go. Help me see what you would have me see. Then empower me to have the wisdom to know how I should respond. Then give me the courage and the strength to do it.”

You may read Steve Greene’s blog at pastorgreene.wordpress.com or you can email him at [email protected].