The book of James in known to many for its many well known verses. I also am fond of this book because it is straightforward and to the point, so that those that read its words are able to understand and apply its truths to their lives. It is written simply, yet deeply thought provoking for those that think through the direct applications that are implored to Christian living.
The first truth that we are hit with is joy in the midst of trials. That is not to say that you should be happy or excited that you have difficulties, but rather that you have joy. Joy is a fruit of the spirit. We cannot muster this on our own. It is given to us as we are empowered by the Holy Spirit. We can go through suffering, but endure as God is with us through the difficulties. We can rest assured that He is in Control. As the scripture continues, it implores each Christian to endure, knowing that our faith is tested, and then that we will gain endurance. That endurance will also have a result, as we mature in our Christian faith. Those that have not experienced suffering have not had to put their faith to the test. If everything is going well, we in our human nature can coast and become less reliant on God. I know from my experience that I have not been the most grateful when I did not have a need. We can become entitled. Our flesh can try to muster enough strength to go through the motions of life. When we go though difficulties we need to cling to God to endure- for lots of us without that peace, we can be overcome by feelings of anxiety. In times of need, when we do not rely on God- we can feel alone. Hopeless. But God. He is there for us always. We can grow to know Him and our outlook on life and our Faith in Him can grow. For He loves us, and wants to continually cultivate a relationship with Him.
As we continue to read through the first chapter of James, we are told to ask for wisdom. God is a God who will give us wisdom generously. However, if we ask without Faith, we should not expect to receive. We are called an unstable person. A person that is doubleminded. This makes perfect sense. Why should we expect to get wisdom from God if we’re doubting him?
We then read the next couple verses and are given a comparison between a poor and a rich person. The poor, or rather humble person, does not boast. The rich person is someone who should be seen as humiliated. There is an analogy of a flower that soon withers away; the rich person like this flower withers away. Life and its pleasure is but short.
Once again, we are told about enduring a trial, but this time we are called blessed. In the end, those that endure trials are recipients of the crown of life. That is a good reminder. Our human flesh does not like trials and difficulties. We need constant reminders and encouragement to persevere.
We then read about temptation and there is a clear truth that God does not tempt man. We cannot place this burden upon God, for He does not tempt man. How true that is. Our God is so great. He is only good to us. We are drawn away and enticed by our own evil desires. It becomes a cycle, as it says in the scripture. We have a desire that could be presented to us. We give in. We do not take the way of escape. We give in to sin. Ultimately, if we continue down that path, it can become a lifestyle choice. It could become who we are and what our life revolves around. Ultimately, that life leads to an abandonment from God and will lead us to death.
We are then reminded that everything that is good comes down from God. We are reminded to listen more and to speak less and not to grow angry. Our anger does not line up with God’s righteousness. It is out of place. We all need to listen more to people. It would benefit all our relationships. If we spoke less, and had less anger we would save ourselves and those that we encounter less hurt and heart ache.
In light of all that has been said, we are told to get rid of all the filthiness that we have and instead receive the Word of God that has the ability to save our souls, for it is to be implanted in us. When I think about that, it has to become a part of who we are and we must what it says. Everyone ultimately needs Jesus to save their soul. He will saves us from all our sin and wash us clean of all our filthinesss. Thank you Jesus for cleaning our filth and for continuing to sanctify us. We are not left as orphans. As Christians, we are left with the Holy Spirit to guide and emplower us as we read the Word of God and apply the truth of God’s Word to our lives.
For the next portion, we are told to be doers of the word and not just hearers. Otherwise, we are compared to someone who maybe is dirty, looking at themselves in the mirror and seeing nothing wrong and walking away. How true that is. If we read and don’t apply, it’s almost better if we didn’t read it at all. However, A doer of the word is the one who works and applies. That person is blessed.
Next, we are reminded of is religion. If we call ourselves religious people and yet we can’t control our tongue, what we say, we’re liars. In this case, we are the worst. We fall into the stereotype of what the world would call hypocrites—the religious people who tell others to live a certain way, and yet they can’t live it themselves. They speak and do not repress t God. The most pitied of people. We are then given an explanation of pure religion before God: to look after the orphans and the widows, those that would find themselves in need. For Jesus looked after the needy. If we look at our world today, if Christians only lived by these truths to look after orphans and widows, how different our world would be. We must live our these truths and be the hands and feet of God.
Lastly, we are told to keep ourselves unstained from the world. That is definitely a high calling. We are told to live in this world but not of this world. That is a daily battle. We can become easily influenced by the world around us—the media, including television and social media, what we read, what music we listen to, the company that we find ourselves with. The enemy is after us. He wants nothing more than for us to run away. However, we need to remain. We need to endure our trials. We need to take the way of escape when we are tempted. We need to seek God and His Word to help us know what to say, know when to speak, know when to let things go, and to know deception versus the truth.
What is your take on some of these scriptures? What thoughts come to mind?