Sometimes brethren feel like there is not much that they can do in the Lord's work. Sometimes they look at themselves and only see limitations: lack of finances, lack of formal education, inability to speak before groups, old age, lack of experience, poor health, etc.
The practical book of James tells us there is much we can do, if we will just do it! Read through the short epistle, and look for the simple little commands that are given to all of us.
What can I do? I can...
- Face my trials with joy (1:2).
- Pray for wisdom (1:5).
- Understand how temptation works, and overcome it (1:12-15).
- Thank God for every good and perfect gift (1:17).
- Be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath (1:19).
- Receive the word of God with meekness (1:21).
- Be a doer of the word, and not a hearer only (1:22-26).
- Help those in need (1:27, 2:15-16).
- Keep myself unspotted from the world (1:27).
- Be impartial in my dealings with others (2:1).
- Treat all visitors with love and respect (2:2-9).
- Show mercy to others (2:13).
- Perfect my faith with my works (2:14-26).
- Control my tongue (3:1-12).
- Show my meekness and wisdom in my good conduct (3:13).
- Sow the fruit of righteousness in peace (3:18).
- Stop seeking friendship with the world (4:4).
- Draw near to God and humble myself in His sight (4:8-10).
- Stop judging, speaking evil of, and grumbling against my brethren (4:11-12, 5:9).
- Realize the frailty and uncertainty of life (4:13-16).
- Do what I know I ought to do, lest I sin (4:17).
- Remember that all sin will be punished by God (5:1-6).
- Be patient (5:7-11).
- Be a person of my word (5:12).
- Pray when I am suffering, sing when I am cheerful (5:13).
- Let others know when I am sick (5:14).
- Pray for others (5:16).
- Restore erring brethren (5:19-20).