JAS. v. 19, 20.
“Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one con-
vert him; let him know, that he which converteth a sinner from
the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall
hide a multitude of sins.”
I. THERE is individual danger, the possibility of erring
from the truth. This danger may be either intellectual or
moral—either the darkening of the understanding or the
corrupting of the heart. The allusion is evidently to one
who has come under the entanglements of erroneous
notions, or of vicious life. There is a danger of intellectual
error still. It is no light thing to err in this way, for in
the heart of every error there is sin. The danger of moral
error is even more imminent and more disastrous. Heresy
is not a trifling thing, but is to be resisted and deplored.
But the deadliest heresy is sin.
II. We have here individual effort: “If one convert
him.” There is here a distinct recognition of the influence
of mind over mind. No man liveth to himself. How
much this influence is increased if to human precept and
example is given the grace of God. I want to lay upon
you the weight of immortal souls. See the mighty results
of single-handed labour! One raindrop is hardly noticed
as it falls, but is enough for one rosebud’s life, to make it
grow.
You do not know what you do when you convert a soul.
Think of death; think of the work which a saved soul
may do.
W. Morley Punshon, D.D.
Often indifference to our Creator’s wise guidelines reveals a heart that is simply disinterested in its own happiness!
Randy Smith