James writes a powerful letter, urging his fellow believers to practice Christianity in their daily life. Throughout the letter, he paints vivid word pictures by means of everyday objects and activities to help his readers understand and remember his counsel. Some of these word pictures (as shown in this illustration) refer to a wave of the sea, a man looking in a mirror, a ship’s rudder, a forest fire, and a spring of water. (Jas 1:6, 23; 3:4, 5, 11) James may well have learned this effective teaching method from his half brother Jesus, who always used illustrations when he spoke. (Mt 13:34) The letter of James contains many powerful reminders that Christian worship must involve both faith and actions.