CALL ME “OLD CAMEL KNEES”
God’s plan for humanity has always been for us not just to know Jesus, but to be like Jesus; this is why we were created in communion with God and in His image. But the devil’s lie in the garden changed what it means to want to be like God. Rather than letting God define what we do, sin caused humanity to desire to rule over itself, to be the one who decides what is “right for me.” Sin allows us to know all about Jesus, but not live like Him.
James, Jesus’ half-brother, knew Jesus. In fact, he grew up with Him, but growing up in the presence of the Messiah didn’t change James right away. John 7:5 tells us that James knew about the miracles Jesus had performed and still didn’t believe in Jesus. But James went on to write one of the most practical books in the New Testament on being Christlike. In fact, James was called “Old Camel Knees” by an early Church writer because he spent so much time kneeling in prayer that it deformed his knees! What changed? James 2:17 shows us he realized a life-changing biblical truth: “faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.” Knowing about Jesus is meaningless if it doesn’t compel you to be like Him—if it doesn’t cause you to do something.
Like James, it’s easy to grow up knowing Jesus, maybe even call Him brother or friend. But knowing His Word, sitting in His presence every weekend at church isn’t being like Him until it impacts our actions—until it changes us at our very core. I’m not talking about the type of life change that puts you in a pew; I’m talking about the type of life change that deforms your idea of yourself.
Scriptures to Read: James 2:14-16; 1 Corinthians 11:1; Romans 12:1-2
QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER:
• Do I just know about Jesus, or am I truly becoming like Him?
• What’s one practical thing I could do today to start being like Jesus?
PRAYER TO PRAY
Father, thank You for allowing me to know You and for creating me in Your image. Help me never to take the knowledge of what You’ve done for granted but compel me to live like Jesus. I ask that You transform me as I surrender my thoughts, actions, and feelings to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.