James 5:9 - Do not grumble against one another, brethren, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge is standing at the door!
The ability to capture video footage has ignited longstanding racial tension in our nation. For many uninformed or skeptical people, video footage of discrimination and violent acts convinces them of what has been alleged by minorities. For those who have experienced discrimination and unfair treatment, the footage is a familiar experience being exposed to the world.
Video cameras have changed security around our school. We pull the footage of what happened when a dispute arises. The constant watching of the camera has changed some of the behavior of the kids because they know that they will not be able to talk or hide their way out of trouble.
James issues a solemn warning to believers concerning our relationships with one another. He forbids grumbling against one another. To grumble means to groan under your breath. It is an unexpressed complaint toward a fellow Christian which has lodged in the spirit and is corrupting interactions and emotions in the body of Christ. Satan and our own fleshly humanity will tempt us to harbor feelings of resentment and allow these dark emotions to drop anchor in our souls corrupting the beautiful unity produced by the Spirit of God living in us.
James reinforces the prohibition by saying that the Judge, the Lord Jesus Christ, is standing at the door. James implies that Christ’s all-seeing eye is watching and knows where we have unexpressed grudges and complaints toward one another. Jesus can pull the footage because He knows. We may seek to hide these grudges, but He knows.
May we love one another today. May we forgive one another today. May we no longer hold the grudges that unravel the fabric of our unity. The Judge is watching.