James 1

How awesome that because of all that God is and does that we can have joy in the midst of trials, because trials are supposed to grow faith and when faith grows, we are able to persevere through things. When we persevere through things and learn that God is always faithful and able, and bad things don’t change the most important things, we are then prepared for anything because we don’t have to control how things work out in order to have joy, peace and contentment. Now we may need wisdom to know what to do, think and say, but James makes it clear here that God has that covered too and all we need to do is ask. But faith is essential. We will need it to hear and follow the wisdom God provides and it and the wisdom will stabilize us in the inconsistencies of life.

And what we think about ourselves is important too. And it is right for us to think of ourselves highly for all we are in Christ…..but it is also appropriate to think of ourselves lowly because of all the things we are in ourselves and how all the things we receive from God is because of who He is and not because of who we are. So if life and circumstance are convincing us that we are low, we should remember in Christ we are high and our spirits should be lifted up. But if life and circumstances are convincing us that we are high, we should remember that compared to God we are low and all that we are and have are because of Him. And when we persevere under trials and be, believe and do what is right, we will be rewarded in the life to come.

Now when all of this is going on and life happens, we are going to notice temptation coming into our minds to be, believe and do wrong. Well we have to understand that that never comes from God, but there is evil on the outside and on the inside of us. It is our evil desire that springs up when temptation comes, and we need to decide not to follow it’s direction. If we do, then it will lead to sin, making a clear distinction between temptation and sin. At times, we can’t control being tempted, but we can control whether or not we sin. We also can often control what we expose ourselves to. And the ultimate result of a constant pattern of sinning is physical death. You see God only brings good things to us…we must believe, embrace and follow them.

Now as James has provided a pattern of life theologically, he now gives practical patterns to follow. He starts with basic communication: listen more, speak less, and watch your (negative) emotions….they often don’t bring about the things that God wants. Next we have to ward off all the sin and evil that are all around us and in us and live by the word that we should continue to grow in. Because the point of the Bible is to do it and not just hear it. In the same way we change our physical appearance when a mirror tells us when something is off, we should change our thinking and lives when the Bible tells us something is off. And what we say is so important practically, James has to tell us again….know when to zip it! And just in case you wonder what God cares about, James clarifies: take care of widows and orphans….and all others who are vulnerable and have gotten a bad rap in the world. Overcome the effects of the world in our lives and in the lives of others….just don’t become polluted by all it’s evil influences.

How’s that for a dose of theological and practical instruction for how to live life from Jesus’ brother James?