But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. — James 1:22
Cal Ripken Jr., who broke Lou Gehrig’s consecutive-game record (Gehrig’s 2,130 to Ripken’s 2,632 straight games in the lineup), credits his father, Cal Ripken Sr. for the mentoring, coaching, and example to break the record. Junior remembers that his father had many mottoes and pronouncements. One of his favorite sayings was: “Do two million little things right, and the big things take care of themselves.” His point was to take pride in the fundamentals.
All of us face the game of life each day with its tests and temptations. Being a Christian doesn’t guarantee that we will never have problems. But as Christians, we have biblical guidelines and fundamentals to help us have victory over our trials.
The following eight fundamentals from God’s Word will help us overcome the tests of life: Rejoice when trials come. They will bring strength to your life (Jms 1:2).
Ask God for wisdom. You won’t receive if you don’t ask. God is quick to answer those who seek His wisdom (Jms 1:5).
Be single-minded in serving the Lord. A wishy-washy believer cannot stand when trials come (Jms 1:6–8).
Endure with strength and patience in difficult times. Your perseverance will be rewarded with victory (Jms 1:12).
Realize that temptations don’t come from the Lord. He is there to strengthen and help you (Jms 1:13).
Don’t give in, give up, or give over to temptation. Defeat can come only if we yield to our own lust (Jms 1:14–15).
Claim the power of the Word of God. In it we have victory (Jms 1:21).
Do the Word of God. Hearing is not enough. We must be doers of the Word (Jms 1:22).
Doing the fundamentals of God’s Word will always give us endurance, strength, and victory.
1. How often do you go over the basics in your spiritual life?
2. Are you a doer of the Word or only a listener?
3. What is holding you back from being victorious?
Extra Reading: James 1:1–27
Lord, with the help of the Holy Spirit, may my life be pleasing to You. Amen.
About the Author:
Coach Pat Street is the FCA Huddle Coach at River Valley High School in Marion, Ohio. If you'd like to receive his weekly “God’s Coaching Tip" e-mail Coach Street at coachpatstreet@timeoutsports.org. (If you have e-mailed and have not received a “tip” please e-mail again as some servers view the Coaching Tip as spam.)