We know there is conflict in our world, our country, our neighbourhood, our churches, our families and even within ourselves. James reminds us, as we look at this passage, that we need to look at ourselves to see what is happening in our lives. We are responsible for our own issues. In times of conflict with others we need to examine ourselves, our prayer life and check our motivation - are we connecting with the world rather than with the values of God. James tells us that we must submit ourselves to God and resist the devil. We need to really hate sin and repent to God when we fall short of His expectations. We need to remember, that as Christians, and whatever the situation, we are united to God through Jesus Christ.

James indicates that we already know the consequences if we do not tame our tongue. Teachers of scripture are particularly picked out in that they will be judged more strictly. We all need to be a living example of how Christ would want us to act. James implies that the impact of the tongue on teachers, on individuals, on whole churches and the entire body of Christ, can have two scenarios; the one inspired by God, the other inspired by self interest. We need to be careful not to fall into the trap of praising God one minute and then be destructive the next. Let us be careful in what we say. We need to stop and think before opening our mouth and we should respond to others as if we were speaking directly to Jesus.

James reminds us, as Christians, not to show favouritism to one person or group over another. Showing favouritism misrepresents God, dishonours those we reject and breaks the law of love. What are we to do? Verse 8 tells us to keep the royal law - "love your neighbour as yourself". We need to love all people, whoever they are, and reach out to them in their time of need, so that God's love to them can be shown, they can be healed, shown forgiveness and be made whole.

James reminds us in this passage that we will face temptations in our life. If we submit to God through these temptations, then we will live life to the full. If we submit to the temptation, then Satan will have his way and steal our life. Temptation itself is not a sin but it can be subtle and desirable. If we give into the temptation, then this can give birth to sin. It is our responsibility on how we respond to temptation. Will we submit to our own evil desires and let Satan take control or will we allow God to work through us?

All Christian ministry is a mixture of both trellis work and vine work. Vine work is proclaiming the good news of Jesus and seeing lives transformed by God through His Spirit as a result. Trellis work is that which supports and gives structure to the vine. It is easy for trellis work to take over from vine work as we focus on programs and events instead of people. As the Great Commission reminds us, our primary responsibility as Christians is to be disciple-making disciples of Jesus. In order to do that, we need to make a conscious mind-shift away from establishing structures and towards growing people. This is by no means an easy process, but when the vine overcomes the trellis at our church that is when we will truly be fulfilling our commissioning.