In this verse James is speaking briefly about the sin of "OMISSION". James is calling the believer's attention to the fact that when doing right is omitted, it is sin - especially when the right thing to do is known. Doing 'no thing' in a situation where 'some thing' ought to be done is sin. Of course we should remain sensitive to the Holy Spirit for guidance because it is possible to know what to do but not know exactly how to do it in a given situation. That's where the leading of the Holy Spirit comes in.
Now from another angle, isn't it interesting how easy it is to judge our actions (or non-actions) against the actions or non-actions of others. Consider statements like: "I don't do this", "I don't do that", "I wouldn't do that if", or "I've never done." If we be honest, if faced with the right amount of pressure and/or circumstance we really don't know what we would or wouldn't do. Quickly look at what James says in verse 12: "There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?"
Sure, it's great when we omit to do wrong, but what about when we omit to do right? Especially when we've been made aware of the right thing to be done.
Moreover, we all have much Kingdom related work to do. Undoubtedly, if we are spending priceless time judging others and/or ourselves against others we surely can't be getting a whole lot accomplished on our end. Judging and comparing is a big distraction!
"When we keep a 'sin-flashlight' shined on someone else we cease to perform our own God-assigned tasks."
No one has received the anointed appointment by God to be the judge in His stead, therefore all judges robes should be put away. This has to be a personal periodic examination activity because that judges robe can find its way back into your wardrobe easily. We know that within our flesh dwells nothing good (Romans 7:18). Therefore, with our sword in hand (the Word of God), we must wound the flesh wherever we find it alive. Thus, we'll be dying to self, so Christ can be freely expressed.
In the Service of the King,
DSW
