Living Our Religion

1.    Read James 1:19; 3:1–13; 4:11; and the institute student manual commentary for James 3:8, “The Importance of Taming the Tongue” (p. 410). Using these resources, make two lists:

Things We Say That Are Offensive to God	Things We Say That Are Pleasing to God.
Speaking evil of those around us Curse men Boasting	Thank and bless God Bless those around us Speak with meekness of wisdom

2.    Referring to the following chart, read James 4:1–4 and identify four symptoms of people who are friends of the world. Read James 4:7–12 and write a prescription that would help people overcome the “world.” Write your responses in the appropriate column:

Symptoms of Being in the World (James 4:1-4)	Prescription for Being out of the World (James 4:7-12
Lust Killings Ask amiss Waste	Submissive Purify your hearts Humble yourselves Speak no evil one to another

My Thoughts:

While studying this week, I found this quote.

We have careful thought for the stranger,
And smiles for the sometime guest,
But oft for our own the bitter tone,
Though we love our own the best.
-Margaret E. Sangster

I LOVE this quote, it really speaks the truth to my heart. Lately I've been reading a blog called The Orange Rhino (www.theorangerhino.com). It is a blog written by a young mother and its her goal to not yell at her kids for 365 days. I believe she has passed her goal but mostly I was inspired by her and her determination. she talks a lot about what the quote above says. So often we'd be horrified if someone knew about our terrible behaviors, however when we are around those we are most comfortable with, whom we love the most, we are more likely to be mean, say hurtful things, or yell. She talks about how backwards this is. We should be treating those we love the most with even more respect and love. We need to determine to be kind and live good lives for ourselves and those we love. We need to be good examples. This lady encourages all who read her blog to try to improve themselves in some way. It's really inspirational.