James 3:13 – No Armchair Quarterbacks!

Daily Devotional Bible Verse

Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. (James 3:13 ESV)

The Super Bowl happens every year. Inevitably sports reporters, fans, and anybody watching the game will become an “armchair quarterback”. You know; the guy or girl who is watching the game and critiquing world-class athletes as they compete on the professional football field. He or she knows exactly what the athletes should be doing, yet considers the walk to the pigs in a blanket a form of exercise!

Somehow in modern Christianity it has become popular to criticize other Christians, churches, and ministries who we think just don’t get it. It’s very easy to become cynical about what others are or aren’t doing without actually making a difference ourselves. We can quickly become the ministry equivalent to the Sunday afternoon “armchair quarterback.”

James wrote that our wisdom and understanding are not ultimately displayed by our words or our critique of others, but instead by “deeds done in the humility that come from wisdom.” Anytime we see the good that should be happening and critique others, yet do nothing, we are responsible and accountable. James went on to write in chapter four, verse seventeen, that “anyone, then, who sees the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.” It is easier to sit on the “sidelines” and complain instead of rolling up our sleeves and getting dirty with the ministry that needs help. Don’t be that “armchair quarterback” at your church. May you be known as a James 3:13 brother or sister in your ministry or church.

In what ways have you been overly critical of other Christians, churches, or ministries? What does this tell you about the good you should be doing?