Western culture has achieved so much and has vastly improved the quality of life for millions of people. However along the way we have also forgotten the finite and limited nature of human beings. Despite everything we are far from the independent, unrestricted beings we like to think we are.

Everyone struggles to do the right thing at times, and we disappoint ourselves when we fail. But how does God feel about some of our less-than-good choices? And what hope is there of making better choices next time?

Why are relationships difficult? Can we really find lasting peace? James shows us how a God-centred life impacts our relationships together as we find that we can be loving the peace.

"Sticks and stones may break my bones but words can never hurt me." Is there any truth in this old saying? Words can have much more of an effect than we imagine. What different does a God-centred life make to our mouth?

Why are there so many people who would claim to be a Christian, yet who don't seem to live like one? Can they still reassure themselves that they are accepted by God and will be with him when they die? And if so why should anyone bother with the inevitable difficulties that living as a Christian brings?

In lots of places the Bible tells believers to give financially to God, but how should we view this? Is it an unwelcome economic burden on us? Or is it a crafty way to make more money? Or is it about something altogether more profound, something much more important to true spirituality?

What does a man who smells nice, looks nice and has a nice gold ring got to do with a God centred life? What does a man who smells bad, looks bad and has bad clothes got to do with a God centred life? In James we see it is all to do with favouritism, and we learn what its place is in a God centred life.

Where do you go for guidance and direction in life? What does it look like to have a God-centred approach to this and what are the benefits?

Have you ever had trouble doing the right thing? Have you ever done things that you are now ashamed of or embarrassed by? Why is it sometimes so difficult to do what we know we should do? Is resisting temptation all a matter of will power or is there some other way to avoid sinning?