I've been reading the book of James for the last couple of days. As I've reread it, I've realized the extreme importance of keeping God in mind while reading the bible. Keeping God's character in mind. As God certainly cares as much for our hearts as He does our actions, so too should we consider and be aware of God's heart as much as His actions. Not uniquely one or the other (as most of us are inclined to do in order to suit our own comforts) but united, reflecting one another and giving new depth and unseen meaning to the other.