Real faith, is believing what God says in His Word and living like you do. That’s the kind of faith that will save you.

Do you love your neighbour in the same way that you love yourself? That, says James, is the real test. That will reveal whether or not your religion is pure and undefiled: whether or not your Christian profession is real.

Do you show partiality? Be careful how you answer. It's another test of the genuineness of your faith

Are you a genuine Christian?

Do you guard your tongue? Do you care for the needy? Do you keep yourself clean from the world's influence? Doing those things won't save you, but if you're the real deal they will be among the things you do.

We’ve deceived ourselves into thinking that progress in the Christian life has to be a slow painful process. That’s why so many believers make so little progress in godliness over their lifetime, and it’s why we have so few godly people these days.

You want to be a strong and mature Christian? Then take care to listen both to God and to other people. Listen with humility and respect. Be slow to form opinions. Avoid angry disputes. Have more confidence in the Word of God to change people.