In a rich discussion about temptations, the New Testament writer, James, inserts a stern command. He just concluded his thought that man’s own lusts are what draw him away into sin. He gladly chases after those things his flesh desires. However, it is never God that draws him away, it is his own lusts. Then, James wrote…

James 1:16 Do not err, my beloved brethren.

To better understand what this brief admonition really meant, we must take a closer look at the word, ‘err.’ In our modern vernacular, it is basically a contraction for the word, ‘error,’ meaning to make a mistake, or be mistaken. However, the original word as a somewhat broader meaning. It literally means, ‘to roam,’ like from safety or virtue. It means to go astray, to deceive, or to be out of the way.

I think that James was stressing to his readers the importance of not veering off from the truths taught in God’s Word. We might say, ‘Do not stray away from what you are being taught, my beloved brethren.’ James knew that even minute departures from truth can lead to wasted lives.

The new believers needed James’ strong warning, for he knew that one of the Devil’s most effective ways of derailing their new faith, was by getting them off track in an area even just a little. If he could just get them doubting just a bit; just a little doubt, that’s all he needs. For, he knows all too well that if someone opens the door even a little to deceit, it won’t be long before they are swallowing a lie.

Paul got word that the churches in Galatia were facing a vicious spiritual attack. He learned that some Jewish sympathizers had come to the area, and were teaching the young converts that they needed to reinstate their subjection to the Law, and that circumcision was a mandatory part of one’s salvation.

Paul was livid. He had worked so hard to convince the people there that salvation was by grace through faith alone, not with any subjection to the Law. These wolves had told them they needed the faith part of salvation, but they needed to add just a little bit to make it truly effective. Now, they were spreading a false gospel to their lost loved ones.

When we see someone who had been saved, and growing in the Christian walk now deeply mired in sin, we often wonder how in the world they got there. We question if their salvation had been genuine.

Another question that must be considered is, ‘where was it that they first got off?’ Where was that first err? They likely never had any idea that one little moment of straying could cost them so much.

Let’s take heed of James’ warning, and do not err.