James 3:13-18 - Spring up, oh well

James' exposition of the Jesus' sayings continue as he takes on, "It is what comes out of an earthling that defiles them."Certainly, we think of the big sins as evil and leading to death, but what of the times when we have those little deaths. A minor non-life giving moment. How do we move beyond those moments to when God gives a river of life--that spring up, oh well--life that we so desperately need.

So roll up your sleeves, put your mind in gear, be totally ready to receive the gift that’s coming when Jesus arrives. Don’t lazily slip back into those old grooves of evil, doing just what you feel like doing. You didn’t know any better then; you do now. As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God’s life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. God said, “I am holy; you be holy. [1 Peter 1:13-16]