"If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless. Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world." - James 1:26-27
Do you consider yourself religious? Would you count yourself as someone who lives for God? As we conclude the first chapter of James, he is going to cover what it means to be a true follower of Christ, as opposed to someone who merely thinks they are religious.
Whether you agree with the "Why I hate religion but love Jesus" youtube video by Jefferson Bethke (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1IAhDGYlpqY), he makes some valid points in it. Though I don't fully agree that Jesus came to abolish religion, I do agree that a person does not reach Jesus through religion alone. As James starts out, "If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless." It is possible for a person's religion to be worthless, but not in all situations. Only one religion is worthwhile, we will talk about that in a moment.
The first statement in James that catches my attention is his choosing of "bridling of the tongue." James doesn't say a murderer's religion is worthless, or a liars, or a thief's, or an adulterers. Why does he choose to emphasize the bridling of the tongue? Remember friends, James isn't talking about the person who is clearly not a Christian, or the person who is a proclaimed atheist, but the person who thinks they are saved and isn't. James isn't talking about the murderers and thief's who are blatantly not following God's laws and probably don't even claim faith in Christ, he is talking about the person who claims faith in Christ but fails to bridle their tongue. He is talking about the person whose mouth speaks curses one moments, and the next, claims salvation through Christ. That is why he mentions bridling the tongue: because it is the most common sin that a Christian becomes calloused to. By the grace of God, we must become sensitive to filthy speech, for speech acceptable to the world should not be uttered unless it is also acceptable to God. Too many Christians forget the magnitude and importance of bridling their tongue for the sake of representing Christ accurately. There is a question that must be answered now. We know what false religion looks like James, we get that, but what does true religion look like? Will you leave us with merely a definition of false religion and none of true religion? James doesn't let us down, let's look ahead.
"Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world." First thoughts? James is being awfully specific. I thought people had different callings. What about teaching, prophecy, and discipleship? Did James insert his own biases into this passage? Do not be confused friend. The emphasis of this passage is not on the action of visiting orphans and widows in their affliction, but on the idea of being unstained by the world. Visiting orphans and widows isn't essential for salvation (though it is good), rather it is an illustration of the latter point James is making: keeping oneself unstained from the world. If I say, "get some coffee and stay awake," are there not other ways by which to gain energy? Of course there are. In the same way, James is merely suggesting one example that would aid in the pursuit of remaining unstained and unaffected by the worlds prejudices. James is trying to get the point across to the believer that, along with bridling our tongue, we need to be unstained by this world.
Do you have biases towards the homeless, the broken, the lowly in spirit, the blind, the deaf, or the weak? All unjust prejudices, biases, and judgements are the effect of a world-stained heart. The world-stained heart does not subject itself to God's law or to God's love, but rather basis its judgements upon the foundation this world has created and idolized. Friends, let your speech be unstained; your prejudices, unstained; your love, unstained; your heart, unstained. The stained person is after the world's heart, the unstained person is after God's heart. God doesn't stain our hearts, he cleanses it from the stain that the world has put there. Be a people unstained by the world and after God's own heart; a life of such cleanliness and love will be in direct contact with the will of God and what greater joy is there than that? None to be fathomed.
Monday, October 15, 2012
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Pushing Past
I would like to thank my Father, Marcus Blankenship, for posting on this blog site on saturday.
This weekend, I was busy doing an adventure race through Wycliffe Bible Translation. Wycliffe calls it "the race to 2025," which is the year by which Wycliffe wants to get the Bible translated into every language. The race was comprised of eight teams, and four people per team. Events within the race included mountain biking, hiking, orienteering, white-water canoeing, repelling, rock climbing, and various linguistic challenges. The teams raced approximately forty miles with the days combined. Twenty-five miles the first day, and fifteen the second day.
I, for one, have never undertaken such a physically and mentally demanding task. The race pushed my whole team past our social, mental, and physical barriers. There were times where I wanted to abandon my team; times I wanted to quit; times I wanted to surrender. One person, when talking about the strenuousness of this race, commented, "I wonder if I would have done all of the things I did this weekend outside of this context. I mean, when they would tell me of a challenge we had to do, I would get scared. But I would just tell myself, 'well, this is what I signed up for.'"
Regardless of how difficult the race was, it was a joy. It was strenuous, but it was also rewarding. I think that all of this can be compared to the Christian walk. There are times during the Christian walk that it would be easier to give up, to abandon other believers, and to simply quit. The Christian walk can be a serious difficulty at times, but we can't forget how rewarding it is in the end. You must learn to push past yourself daily because you will never love, speak to God, humble yourself, or commit a good action on your own. You must learn to trust in the power of God so that when you come to the end of yourself, you merely hook up to a new rope, and continue moving.
Have you forgotten, during the difficult parts of the Christian walk, that you have signed up for this? You have dedicated your life to a sovereign God who can do with you what he wills, and your job is to run through the race of life. You signed up for this, so dive in. Accept what you have given yourself to and enjoy the ride. Push yourself past who you are to lean on the arms of Christ; he has taken hits for you already, can you take a few for him?
This weekend, I was busy doing an adventure race through Wycliffe Bible Translation. Wycliffe calls it "the race to 2025," which is the year by which Wycliffe wants to get the Bible translated into every language. The race was comprised of eight teams, and four people per team. Events within the race included mountain biking, hiking, orienteering, white-water canoeing, repelling, rock climbing, and various linguistic challenges. The teams raced approximately forty miles with the days combined. Twenty-five miles the first day, and fifteen the second day.
I, for one, have never undertaken such a physically and mentally demanding task. The race pushed my whole team past our social, mental, and physical barriers. There were times where I wanted to abandon my team; times I wanted to quit; times I wanted to surrender. One person, when talking about the strenuousness of this race, commented, "I wonder if I would have done all of the things I did this weekend outside of this context. I mean, when they would tell me of a challenge we had to do, I would get scared. But I would just tell myself, 'well, this is what I signed up for.'"
Regardless of how difficult the race was, it was a joy. It was strenuous, but it was also rewarding. I think that all of this can be compared to the Christian walk. There are times during the Christian walk that it would be easier to give up, to abandon other believers, and to simply quit. The Christian walk can be a serious difficulty at times, but we can't forget how rewarding it is in the end. You must learn to push past yourself daily because you will never love, speak to God, humble yourself, or commit a good action on your own. You must learn to trust in the power of God so that when you come to the end of yourself, you merely hook up to a new rope, and continue moving.
Have you forgotten, during the difficult parts of the Christian walk, that you have signed up for this? You have dedicated your life to a sovereign God who can do with you what he wills, and your job is to run through the race of life. You signed up for this, so dive in. Accept what you have given yourself to and enjoy the ride. Push yourself past who you are to lean on the arms of Christ; he has taken hits for you already, can you take a few for him?
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Saturday, October 13, 2012
Rich man, poor man.
"Lord, open your word to us today. Show us where we are partial about who we love, who we speak to, who we witness to, who we honor. Forgive us for this sin, and the sin of attempting to impress other people with our clothes, our speech, our understanding, our works. Father, we thank you for your love towards us, for while we still sinners Christ died for us. Amen."
(Hi, I'm Marcus. Mike's not here today, he's doing this, which is pretty darn cool. He asked me to write for him today, and I'm honored to sit in for him.)
But as you might suspect, James isn't warning us against having "preferences" or "being impartial" about food, or politics. He warns us against it in the context of the way we "hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ". Instead of guessing what that might mean, let's move on one verse...
The Rich man adorned himself with jewelry and find clothing. I can imagine in my mind's eye this man, striding confidently into my own church with his beautiful suit, gold rings, perfectly shined shoes. He wants to be seen, to be noticed, to be respected, to be valued. His eyes take in the congregation, hungry to see how others view him, seeking the approval of those inside. He is there to be worshiped, not to worship.
The Poor man is dressed badly. Again my imagination paints a picture of a man who's clothes are tattered and unmatched. This man could be a blue-collar worker, or someone homeless. His eyes are cast down, not wanting to see how others view him, quietly slinking in the back of the church to sit in the last pew. He knows he is not impressive, but comes anyhow.
With that scene set, we're missing a character. You. These two characters, as interesting as it would be to focus on them, aren't the lead in this play. It's you. Let's continue a bit more...
Wow, who hasn't done that, possibly without even knowing it? I certainly have. It's not the noticing the difference that James warns us against, but the preferential treatment. It's honoring one person over another, particularly in the Lords house, no matter how subtly. James tells us that we "have made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts" if we give one person a place of honor over another person, for any reason. When it's time to greet people after church, who do you greet first, and who do you overlook?
James used economic status as an example, because it's one way we judge between the value of people. It's not the only way, though. Race, beauty, intelligence, speech, style. We have lots of ways of quickly sizing up someone. But this is not God's way. Remember that 1 Cor 1: 27-29 tells us:
When we show partiality to the Rich Man as James illustrates, we give them reasons to boast, which is wrong. When we show partiality to the Poor Man as James illustrates, we give them reason to feel ashamed, which is also wrong, for God has loves and uses them, and takes great joy in it!
So, how are we to treat others, both Rich and Poor? Ugly and Beautiful? White and Black, Yellow and Red? Jesus explained that to us:
That pretty much sums it up. You can't vote for one over the other, you must love them both the same. Isn't that how you want to be loved?
(Hi, I'm Marcus. Mike's not here today, he's doing this, which is pretty darn cool. He asked me to write for him today, and I'm honored to sit in for him.)
My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. (James 2:1 ESV)James starts chapter 2 with a warning to Christians against "partiality". Partiality isn't a word we use regularly, so let's review the definition:
- Unfair bias in favor of one thing or person compared with another; favoritism
- A particular liking or fondness for something.
But as you might suspect, James isn't warning us against having "preferences" or "being impartial" about food, or politics. He warns us against it in the context of the way we "hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ". Instead of guessing what that might mean, let's move on one verse...
For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, (James 2:2 ESV)Ah ha! James is going to tell us not to play favorites between people. James sets up a hypothetical situation to illustrate his point, and scene opens with two people: a Rich Man and a Poor Man, both going to church. James doesn't simply announce this as hidden information about the characters, he points out that the men's status's were obvious to all by the way they dressed.
The Rich man adorned himself with jewelry and find clothing. I can imagine in my mind's eye this man, striding confidently into my own church with his beautiful suit, gold rings, perfectly shined shoes. He wants to be seen, to be noticed, to be respected, to be valued. His eyes take in the congregation, hungry to see how others view him, seeking the approval of those inside. He is there to be worshiped, not to worship.
The Poor man is dressed badly. Again my imagination paints a picture of a man who's clothes are tattered and unmatched. This man could be a blue-collar worker, or someone homeless. His eyes are cast down, not wanting to see how others view him, quietly slinking in the back of the church to sit in the last pew. He knows he is not impressive, but comes anyhow.
With that scene set, we're missing a character. You. These two characters, as interesting as it would be to focus on them, aren't the lead in this play. It's you. Let's continue a bit more...
and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
(James 2:3-4 ESV)
Wow, who hasn't done that, possibly without even knowing it? I certainly have. It's not the noticing the difference that James warns us against, but the preferential treatment. It's honoring one person over another, particularly in the Lords house, no matter how subtly. James tells us that we "have made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts" if we give one person a place of honor over another person, for any reason. When it's time to greet people after church, who do you greet first, and who do you overlook?
James used economic status as an example, because it's one way we judge between the value of people. It's not the only way, though. Race, beauty, intelligence, speech, style. We have lots of ways of quickly sizing up someone. But this is not God's way. Remember that 1 Cor 1: 27-29 tells us:
But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being[a] might boast in the presence of God.God uses what is foolish, poor, low and despised. Why? So that no one can boast. Not the rich man. Not the wise man. Not the poor man. Not me. Not you. Not ever.
When we show partiality to the Rich Man as James illustrates, we give them reasons to boast, which is wrong. When we show partiality to the Poor Man as James illustrates, we give them reason to feel ashamed, which is also wrong, for God has loves and uses them, and takes great joy in it!
So, how are we to treat others, both Rich and Poor? Ugly and Beautiful? White and Black, Yellow and Red? Jesus explained that to us:
You shall love your neighbor as yourself. (Matthew 22:39 ESV)
That pretty much sums it up. You can't vote for one over the other, you must love them both the same. Isn't that how you want to be loved?
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Thursday, October 11, 2012
Remember
"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing." - James 1:22-25
The section of James we dealt with in my last post concluded with, "the implanted word, which is able to save your souls." We are going to deal with this same "implanted word" in the passages we are dealing with today (V. 22-25).
After pointing out that the "word" can save our souls, James continues, "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." Yes, the Word of God can and does save peoples souls, but do not deceive yourself into thinking that salvation has come upon you when the evidence shows otherwise. How are we to discern whether we are deceived? What are we to do in order to distinguish between the self-deceived and the genuine Christian? James addresses this question throughout the section we are looking at today. If we hear the Word of God and believe that we have acquired salvation through only hearing the Word of God, we are deceived. We must believe in the Word, and the only person who truly believes in the Word is the person who follows it whole-heartedly. And the only person who follows the Word whole-heartedly is the person who has been given the Holy Spirit. The only person who has been given the Holy Spirit is the person who has been given the salvation of Jesus Christ. We do not follow the Word of God because of how holy he is, but because of how holy he who lives within us is. Do not credit yourself for your righteous works, the moment you do so is the same moment your works become unrighteous.
"For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror." Why do we look in a mirror? What purpose does this serve? We look in a mirror to get an accurate view of who we are. When we look in a mirror, we notice imperfections and faults. Just as when we hear the Word of God. When we hear God's Word, we realize who we truly are; we are fallen creatures of God. We are a people who have been saved by our creator. We are a people who need to realize our imperfections so that we can realize God's perfections. Only dwell on your imperfections to see the goodness of God, not to condemn yourself when God has accepted you.
"For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like." This is where we run into trouble. We do not run into trouble if we look in the mirror (acknowledge who we are in Christ: a sinner who can be saved by grace). But we run into trouble if we forget what we looked like (forget who we are in relation to Christ and continue thinking we are saved). My friends, remember that you are a sinner. This will drive you to be a doer and not merely a hearer, and remind yourself of this fact every day again and again that you may remember the great grace Christ has offered.
"But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets, but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing." When we look at the perfect law given by God in relation to who we are, we get an accurate view of who we are and of who God is. Brothers and sisters, persevere in remembrance of who you are and of what God did for you. Do not hear and forget, but hear and act.
If the Christian forgets who they are in Christ, all is lost. Do you get that? If we forget we are saved by Christ, why live for Christ? And if we do not live for Christ, salvation has not truly been given. Remember who Christ is, what he has done, and who you are in relation to him, and this will drive you to live a life a sacrifice for him. And truly, he will be with you to the end of the age. Always my friends; remember.
The section of James we dealt with in my last post concluded with, "the implanted word, which is able to save your souls." We are going to deal with this same "implanted word" in the passages we are dealing with today (V. 22-25).
After pointing out that the "word" can save our souls, James continues, "But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves." Yes, the Word of God can and does save peoples souls, but do not deceive yourself into thinking that salvation has come upon you when the evidence shows otherwise. How are we to discern whether we are deceived? What are we to do in order to distinguish between the self-deceived and the genuine Christian? James addresses this question throughout the section we are looking at today. If we hear the Word of God and believe that we have acquired salvation through only hearing the Word of God, we are deceived. We must believe in the Word, and the only person who truly believes in the Word is the person who follows it whole-heartedly. And the only person who follows the Word whole-heartedly is the person who has been given the Holy Spirit. The only person who has been given the Holy Spirit is the person who has been given the salvation of Jesus Christ. We do not follow the Word of God because of how holy he is, but because of how holy he who lives within us is. Do not credit yourself for your righteous works, the moment you do so is the same moment your works become unrighteous.
"For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror." Why do we look in a mirror? What purpose does this serve? We look in a mirror to get an accurate view of who we are. When we look in a mirror, we notice imperfections and faults. Just as when we hear the Word of God. When we hear God's Word, we realize who we truly are; we are fallen creatures of God. We are a people who have been saved by our creator. We are a people who need to realize our imperfections so that we can realize God's perfections. Only dwell on your imperfections to see the goodness of God, not to condemn yourself when God has accepted you.
"For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like." This is where we run into trouble. We do not run into trouble if we look in the mirror (acknowledge who we are in Christ: a sinner who can be saved by grace). But we run into trouble if we forget what we looked like (forget who we are in relation to Christ and continue thinking we are saved). My friends, remember that you are a sinner. This will drive you to be a doer and not merely a hearer, and remind yourself of this fact every day again and again that you may remember the great grace Christ has offered.
"But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets, but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing." When we look at the perfect law given by God in relation to who we are, we get an accurate view of who we are and of who God is. Brothers and sisters, persevere in remembrance of who you are and of what God did for you. Do not hear and forget, but hear and act.
If the Christian forgets who they are in Christ, all is lost. Do you get that? If we forget we are saved by Christ, why live for Christ? And if we do not live for Christ, salvation has not truly been given. Remember who Christ is, what he has done, and who you are in relation to him, and this will drive you to live a life a sacrifice for him. And truly, he will be with you to the end of the age. Always my friends; remember.
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Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Putting Away Anger
"Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls." - James 1:19-21
We now make a transition in the book of James from the focus being, "rejoice in times of trial" to, "live out your faith in Christ." This new message is introduced in the passage quoted above and is possibly the most essential message given throughout the whole book of James. As I have said before, the over-arching theme in James is "the importance of making faith in Jesus Christ real and practical." From James 1:19 to about James 3:18, the focus is on "living as a Christian" as opposed to "claiming the Christian name." This message clearly applies to the theme of the whole book in that living as a Christian is how a person makes their faith real and practical. For that reason, this two-chapter section is essential to the book as a whole. Having said that, let's take a look at how James introduces these important scriptures.
These passages begin with, "know this, my beloved brothers." Often, James is looked at as a book focused on condemning the Christian. However, James starts by trying to see eye-to-eye with his brothers and sisters in Christ and reminds them that though he is trying to correct them, he loves them. The Christian has much to learn from such gentle correction. Though we are to correct our brothers and sisters, we must love them as we do so.
James continues, "let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God." That scripture should hit you like a bulldozer. How many Christians today do we see who are quick to listen? Who choose their words wisely? Who have made a commitment to restrain anger? I think we find the opposite in our churches. We find people who are prideful, have much to say, are easily angered by church politics, and don't listen when others are talking. What is the result of speaking without thinking? Stupid statements that can easily breed an argument. I have a friend who has taken the "slow to speak" part of this scripture so seriously that he will not even respond to someone speaking to him without having thought about his choice of words first (which causes a person to think before speaking to him). The Christian needs to be motivated to speak clearly, patiently, lovingly, and free of anger. Just as James makes an example of when he introduces these passages.
Christians today talk of a righteous anger: an anger towards people who sin or are unrighteous. However, I think that often times this idea of righteous anger is used to justify an actually unrighteous anger. What anger can man produce that is righteous? Just because Jesus (God) has a right to be angry, doesn't mean man does. We are supposed to be like Jesus, yes. But we aren't supposed to forgive sins as he did, nor are we supposed to carry around a righteous anger for the sins of others as he did. After-all, he was God. In The Cost Of Discipleship, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a Christian martyr killed in the concentration camps during the holocaust, writes,
"Judging others makes us blind, whereas love is illuminating. By judging others we blind ourselves to our own evil and to the grace which others are just as entitled to as we are."
Remember, Christ didn't just come to save you.
"Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls." I wonder how many Christians really put away their filthiness. Why do studies show that divorce rates are the same between Christians and non-Christians? Or that, in almost every category, Christians are participating in things of the world? Do you understand that this is exactly what James was warning against when he said, "rampant wickedness"? The body of Christ needs to become the true body of Christ and put away its filthiness and receive with meekness or "gentleness" (by the strict definition of the greek word prautes), in stark contrast to anger, Jesus Christ (the word) who is able to save our souls.
My friends, I wish that you would listen to people, that you would choose your words wisely, and that you would not become angry quickly. Receive Jesus every day again and again with humility and gentleness; for when we receive Jesus with gentleness, we will spread him with gentleness. Do not be angry with people, for a fallen person can hardly justify any kind of anger. A person will never come to Jesus by your anger with them, rather by your meekness will they accept Christ. By your acceptance of them, which is on the basis of Christ's acceptance of you, will a person come to Christ. The Christian is a messenger of the "good news." We have not only the responsibility of delivering that good news, but doing so as if it is actually good news. The Christian must not only tell others of Jesus, but tell others of Christ; not only of reconciliation, but of sanctification. That is the mission of the Christian, are you involved?
We now make a transition in the book of James from the focus being, "rejoice in times of trial" to, "live out your faith in Christ." This new message is introduced in the passage quoted above and is possibly the most essential message given throughout the whole book of James. As I have said before, the over-arching theme in James is "the importance of making faith in Jesus Christ real and practical." From James 1:19 to about James 3:18, the focus is on "living as a Christian" as opposed to "claiming the Christian name." This message clearly applies to the theme of the whole book in that living as a Christian is how a person makes their faith real and practical. For that reason, this two-chapter section is essential to the book as a whole. Having said that, let's take a look at how James introduces these important scriptures.
These passages begin with, "know this, my beloved brothers." Often, James is looked at as a book focused on condemning the Christian. However, James starts by trying to see eye-to-eye with his brothers and sisters in Christ and reminds them that though he is trying to correct them, he loves them. The Christian has much to learn from such gentle correction. Though we are to correct our brothers and sisters, we must love them as we do so.
James continues, "let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God." That scripture should hit you like a bulldozer. How many Christians today do we see who are quick to listen? Who choose their words wisely? Who have made a commitment to restrain anger? I think we find the opposite in our churches. We find people who are prideful, have much to say, are easily angered by church politics, and don't listen when others are talking. What is the result of speaking without thinking? Stupid statements that can easily breed an argument. I have a friend who has taken the "slow to speak" part of this scripture so seriously that he will not even respond to someone speaking to him without having thought about his choice of words first (which causes a person to think before speaking to him). The Christian needs to be motivated to speak clearly, patiently, lovingly, and free of anger. Just as James makes an example of when he introduces these passages.
Christians today talk of a righteous anger: an anger towards people who sin or are unrighteous. However, I think that often times this idea of righteous anger is used to justify an actually unrighteous anger. What anger can man produce that is righteous? Just because Jesus (God) has a right to be angry, doesn't mean man does. We are supposed to be like Jesus, yes. But we aren't supposed to forgive sins as he did, nor are we supposed to carry around a righteous anger for the sins of others as he did. After-all, he was God. In The Cost Of Discipleship, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a Christian martyr killed in the concentration camps during the holocaust, writes,
"Judging others makes us blind, whereas love is illuminating. By judging others we blind ourselves to our own evil and to the grace which others are just as entitled to as we are."
Remember, Christ didn't just come to save you.
"Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls." I wonder how many Christians really put away their filthiness. Why do studies show that divorce rates are the same between Christians and non-Christians? Or that, in almost every category, Christians are participating in things of the world? Do you understand that this is exactly what James was warning against when he said, "rampant wickedness"? The body of Christ needs to become the true body of Christ and put away its filthiness and receive with meekness or "gentleness" (by the strict definition of the greek word prautes), in stark contrast to anger, Jesus Christ (the word) who is able to save our souls.
My friends, I wish that you would listen to people, that you would choose your words wisely, and that you would not become angry quickly. Receive Jesus every day again and again with humility and gentleness; for when we receive Jesus with gentleness, we will spread him with gentleness. Do not be angry with people, for a fallen person can hardly justify any kind of anger. A person will never come to Jesus by your anger with them, rather by your meekness will they accept Christ. By your acceptance of them, which is on the basis of Christ's acceptance of you, will a person come to Christ. The Christian is a messenger of the "good news." We have not only the responsibility of delivering that good news, but doing so as if it is actually good news. The Christian must not only tell others of Jesus, but tell others of Christ; not only of reconciliation, but of sanctification. That is the mission of the Christian, are you involved?
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Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Thank God For Trials
"Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first-fruits of his creatures." - James 1:16-18
As we dive back into our study of James, I want to point out that I had two guest writers this weekend in order that we may, for once, take a break from my writing. I hope their writings were enjoyed and if they were, I'm sure the authors would appreciate some feedback. Thanks again to Micaila Rupp and Seth Henry for their contribution to the uplifting of the body of Christ.
This passage that we are focusing on in James today is the conclusion of James' focus on how the Christian walk should look in relation to times of trials. He introduces his conclusion with a somber sentiment, "Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers." Deceived about what? James is referring to the false view that, in times of trial, God is the one who tempts you. Isn't it easy, when we are going through difficult times, to just blame everything on God? That is what James is warning us against. James is reminding us to not blame our sufferings on God. After-all, James continues, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights..." If you are going to blame the bad stuff on God, you better be sure to blame the good stuff on him too. Do not forget that every blessing and good thing comes down from God (and most of life is good for most people). Humans have a natural tendency to focus on the bad in the world because it is rarer and therefore catches our attention more easily. Because it catches our attention so easily, we mistakenly associate God with evil.
"...with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change," James continues. In other words, first, don't blame evil on God. Secondly, God brings everything that is good. And thirdly, God isn't bipolar. He doesn't change his mind or his mood. He is God and he is always the same. If God brings everything that is good, that is all he can do, and he never changes, then everything he ordains that seems bad must not really be bad. Everything that happens is in some way to further the glory of God which is a good thing. Whether it seems bad to our finite minds or not is not the question. The question is merely "is this going to further the glory of God in some way eventually?" and the answer is always yes. This means that we can be secure in everything that happens to us; it may seem evil, it may seem bad, and in fact it is, but only right now. The darkness only exists so that the light will be more appreciated when it is seen.
"Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first-fruits of his creatures." The word "first-fruits" can also mean "the beginning of a sacrifice." The pioneer Christians that James was writing to were the first Christians and so, in a sense, they were the first recipients of Jesus' sacrifice. Also, the first-fruits feast that the Israelites held was a celebration of Springs first Barley Harvest because it indicated more to come for the rest of the year. In the same way, the first Christians were just the beginning of what was to come, and the religion would end up becoming very prosperous as we see today.
My dear friends, I do not want you to be deceived during times of trials. It is so easy to blame our heartache and difficult times on God, but greater is the person who can glorify God and thank him for their trials. Do not deceive yourselves to think that trials are a bad thing, they are a good thing. They are not a time of despair, but a time of hope; not a time of loss, but a time of gain; not a time of decay, but a time of growth. Utilize difficult times to your advantage that before you die, you may grow more and more into Christ's likeness. Trials are the Christians opportunity to become more like Christ. Without trials, the Christian will stagnate in their spiritual walk. Don't only make it through trials, but rejoice when they come.
As we dive back into our study of James, I want to point out that I had two guest writers this weekend in order that we may, for once, take a break from my writing. I hope their writings were enjoyed and if they were, I'm sure the authors would appreciate some feedback. Thanks again to Micaila Rupp and Seth Henry for their contribution to the uplifting of the body of Christ.
This passage that we are focusing on in James today is the conclusion of James' focus on how the Christian walk should look in relation to times of trials. He introduces his conclusion with a somber sentiment, "Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers." Deceived about what? James is referring to the false view that, in times of trial, God is the one who tempts you. Isn't it easy, when we are going through difficult times, to just blame everything on God? That is what James is warning us against. James is reminding us to not blame our sufferings on God. After-all, James continues, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights..." If you are going to blame the bad stuff on God, you better be sure to blame the good stuff on him too. Do not forget that every blessing and good thing comes down from God (and most of life is good for most people). Humans have a natural tendency to focus on the bad in the world because it is rarer and therefore catches our attention more easily. Because it catches our attention so easily, we mistakenly associate God with evil.
"...with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change," James continues. In other words, first, don't blame evil on God. Secondly, God brings everything that is good. And thirdly, God isn't bipolar. He doesn't change his mind or his mood. He is God and he is always the same. If God brings everything that is good, that is all he can do, and he never changes, then everything he ordains that seems bad must not really be bad. Everything that happens is in some way to further the glory of God which is a good thing. Whether it seems bad to our finite minds or not is not the question. The question is merely "is this going to further the glory of God in some way eventually?" and the answer is always yes. This means that we can be secure in everything that happens to us; it may seem evil, it may seem bad, and in fact it is, but only right now. The darkness only exists so that the light will be more appreciated when it is seen.
"Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first-fruits of his creatures." The word "first-fruits" can also mean "the beginning of a sacrifice." The pioneer Christians that James was writing to were the first Christians and so, in a sense, they were the first recipients of Jesus' sacrifice. Also, the first-fruits feast that the Israelites held was a celebration of Springs first Barley Harvest because it indicated more to come for the rest of the year. In the same way, the first Christians were just the beginning of what was to come, and the religion would end up becoming very prosperous as we see today.
My dear friends, I do not want you to be deceived during times of trials. It is so easy to blame our heartache and difficult times on God, but greater is the person who can glorify God and thank him for their trials. Do not deceive yourselves to think that trials are a bad thing, they are a good thing. They are not a time of despair, but a time of hope; not a time of loss, but a time of gain; not a time of decay, but a time of growth. Utilize difficult times to your advantage that before you die, you may grow more and more into Christ's likeness. Trials are the Christians opportunity to become more like Christ. Without trials, the Christian will stagnate in their spiritual walk. Don't only make it through trials, but rejoice when they come.
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Monday, October 8, 2012
Death Came For Me
Death held my hand, it led my life, it guided each mistake. Death gave me misery always, but for some reason I could never leave. Like a slave I was in bondage to a master, bidden to always do his deeds. Death guided me to do things I should have never done. Death coerced me to speak his tongue. Like a beggar, I could only plea to be set free from this misery. Death beat me, crushed me, left me with a struggle inside. All I could do was cry. Death guided me, I couldn’t see, I wasn’t even able to breathe. Suddenly something changed. A light shone in the midst of my darkness and You rode in. I can’t explain what I saw. How you glowed, how you shone, you, my Lord, fought for me. You vanquished Death with a mighty blow. The darkness Death cast upon my life slowly began to fade. My knight in shining armor, you rescued me. You ripped me from Death’s embrace and led me to safety. You held my hand and we ran. I cannot describe the feeling of what I saw. All I knew was that somebody finally loved me. You ravaged my heart and made me thine. You sought my embrace and I came to you. For once in my life I felt complete. But I was still lead astray.
I couldn’t commit when Death returned for me. Like the lover it used to be, it spoke softly outside my window late at night. At first I was able to scoff it away, but I had known Death’s embrace. I felt the lure and forgot your call. Like a fool I left in the night. Death guided me and soon it was like nothing had changed. Memories of your embrace slowly left me. I couldn’t make your love enough. I pushed away. But you didn’t give up on me. You still pursued, for some reason you came after me. A Lord, King of all, came after his wicked queen. The Groom after his bride, you pursued. You wouldn’t let Death keep me. Death guided me to the cliffs of despair and the world went dark. Death’s words, Death’s pull, Death’s call became too much to bear. Right before the end, I heard you scream “no!” You ran and took the bullet I aimed at my heart. You sacrificed yourself to save me! Why Lord why?
Wicked I came, wicked I go. I laid by your tomb for three days and nights when the impossible came. I saw you return to me. You grabbed me in a tight embrace laughing, “didn’t I tell you love? Death has no hold on me!” I danced, I laughed, I cried, you returned for me, your wayward wife. This time I held your hand a little tighter, this time I loved you more, but it wasn’t enough when death came to call. Death came to me in the night. It begged me to return and I couldn’t refuse. I thought of your love, I thought of your death, I thought about our life, but in the end, Death’s call was too much. I left once more. This time I did not expect you to come after me, but you still pursued. You pulled me back from Death’s embrace and whispered in my ear “never will I relent in coming to save you.” Once again, you rescued me when I didn’t know I desperately needed help. Though at times I forget your call I can always expect you to win. You, Lord, my great Lover know me and love me still. I couldn’t ask for anything better than you. You came to my rescue, Death will never win. I am my lover’s, and he is mine. Always will he protect my side. Come be my hero each day. My lover, My friend.
- Micaila Blankenship
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Saturday, October 6, 2012
A Life Worth Following
Today I am going to tell you about a friend of mine and take you on a journey that is worth following. This man was such a great person that he ended up dying for his causes. He has helped transform my life through his actions and words. He has set an example for me to live by; one that I am still seeking to emulate. But don’t let me get too far ahead of myself.
When and where did I meet this guy? Well, my family has been great friends with him for my whole life, but for some reason I hadn’t met him. Thankfully though, he was able to make it to my family’s church camp two years ago. This was my first encounter with this man I had heard so much about. Throughout the weekend I was able to get to know him quite well. I got to the point where I trusted and respected him enough to share my struggles, failures, and even sins. He worked with me through many of these things, giving me advice that he gained throughout his lifetime. He spoke and displayed so much fatherly wisdom to me during this time. It was like I had just struck gold, as if I had found something undiscovered to so many. As the weekend came to a close I was ecstatic that I had a new friend, whom I trusted, respected, and enjoyed. We began hanging out at a local Starbucks on weekends, just talking about life. Those times were great, to the point I wish I would have hung out with him during the week. What makes this man so special? What really drew me to him?
There are a few things in particular that really set him apart from everyone else. The first is how he handles himself. He isn’t flashy, in fact that might be the last word I would use to describe him. He is the type of person that goes under the radar, avoiding all the attention, like a football player who chooses to drive a minivan instead of a $100,000 Mercedes. Despite his appearance, people were drawn to the glow he gave off. He lights up the world like fireflies lighting up the sky. However, many people choose not to be his friend. This is because he demands so much out of everyone he meets. You can’t just get away with being a so-so person around him; you have to be on fire for the Lord. He doesn’t allow you to be the type of person to just sit on the fence and partake in both sides. I, on the other hand, was drawn to this characteristic; to how he pushed me to be the best that I could be.
Another characteristic that set him apart was his humility. Not just in how he handled himself, but also through his actions. Even though he was a man with a high position job where he oversaw a multitude of people, he chose to work with people who were poor, broken, and drug addicted. He chose to stoop down from his high position and work with those that needed help; weekly he would go down under the tunnels to talk and have lunch with these outcasts. That action right there is checking your ego at the door, laying down your pride, and making a difference.
He has also taught me a great many lessons about forgiveness, to the point that I lost count. Sadly, though, most of those lessons were as a result of me. Even though I connected really well with him, I tended to do things that weren’t respectful of him and hurt him. One time I really dishonored him. But the next day, when I saw him, he didn’t treat me any different. It was as if nothing had happened. I looked at him and said, “Why are you treating me with so much respect when I treated you with none?” He looked me in the eyes and said, “We all make mistakes and I forgive you.” He showed me kindness and forgiveness even when I didn’t deserve them. He truly lived out Romans 12:14, which says, “Bless those that persecute you…” I want to be the exact same way. I want to be able to forgive others, even when they hurt me. Even though he would forgive me, I seemed to always “stab” him in the back the next week. Until ultimately one day I treated him extremely bad, stating that I didn’t want anything to do with him anymore. Before I had a chance to reconcile with him, he was involved in an ally attack. He was beaten up behind an old sawmill, where old wood just sat rotting away. He was beaten up so bad that he ended up dying an hour later in the hospital. This really tore me up inside; truly crushed by what I had done to him. However, he had left a letter for me, which for some reason I hadn’t opened yet. I decided that the time was right to see what he had written. It brought me to my knees in tears. “Son, I know what you are going to do. You will disown me and sin against me. But that is why I came. I came to save the sinners; to die in your place. So that one day you may stand before the Lord as white as snow. I love you and I forgive you!”
The man I have shared with you is the only man who has walked a perfect life on this earth. His name is Jesus of Nazareth. He set the perfect example of how to live. And no matter how long ago He lived, His influence remains. I want to live a life of humility and forgiveness, just like him. And no matter the pressure that comes, I want to live for the Lord. Even if I am taken to the stake to be burned, to be a martyr, I want to serve the Lord. Jesus is not just my friend, He is yours as well. It doesn’t matter how far you have fallen; because He left that same note for you. “You are forgiven.”
- Seth Henry
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Friday, October 5, 2012
A Crown Or A Grave?
"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, 'I am being tempted by God,' for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death." - James 1:12-15
Please pray this morning for the body of Christ and encouragement for them as they persevere through trials.
After James has talked about the importance of wisdom, faithful prayer, humility in Christ, and confidence in Christ during times of trial, he now moves back to the same focus he had in verses 2 through 4 saying, "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him." James is reminding the reader of the focal point of what he has written so far in this chapter, but he also makes some new points with this one verse. Firstly, in verse 2, James was pretty clearly referring to trials that come throughout life: "when you meet trials of various kinds." But if you look closely enough in this verse, you will notice something different: James refers to receiving the crown of life. The crown of life is a reference to the reward that Christians receive at the end of their life, namely, eternal life with God. The ESV Study Bible comments, "Crown of life alludes not to the jewel encrusted ruler's crown but to the laurel wreath given to winners in athletic games and victorious emperors." But this reward does not come until we have died and passed from this life, therefore we can assume that James is now talking about the test of life rather than the tests of life. In other words, James is indirectly asking the reader, "how did you spend your life?" For all of life is a test as is clearly pointed out in this passage, and if we are steadfast in the faith through life than we will receive the reward. The obvious implication that those who are faithful in life receive the reward is that those who aren't faithful will not receive the reward; a beautiful but terrifying statement all at once.
"Let no one say when he is being tempted, 'I am being tempted by God,' for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one." At first glance, James seems to make an abrupt turn in subject from, remain steadfast, to, God doesn't tempt anyone. However, it seems logical that the subject brought to James' mind, after he wrote about receiving the promise of those who love God, is the very thing that could keep someone from receiving that promise: temptation and sin. There is a very serious question here regarding God's sovereignty that needs to be addressed. The Bible teaches clearly that God has ordained everything that happens (1 Samuel 2:6-7, Proverbs 16:9, Psalms 105:24, Isaiah 6:10, Isaiah 63:17, John 13:18, Romans 1:21-25, Proverbs 16:4), including the lives of people and their sin. Is James in stark disagreement with the rest of the scriptures? Look again my friends. James merely makes the point that God tempts no one; he does not disagree with foreordination. Someone is asking, "If God planned for people to sin, doesn't that mean he tempted them?" Absolutely not. They are tempted by themselves. God just planned for such temptation to take place, that does not mean that the temptation did not originate in peoples minds, it means that God planned for it to originate in peoples minds. However, these are two truths of scripture that are impossible for finite creatures to completely reconcile; both truths must be accepted and applied. God did plan, and man is responsible.
"But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death." The word "desire" that James uses in this passage means "passionate longing." As I pointed out in the last paragraph, sin is birthed when people focus on their own desires or passionate longings. If we pursue this desire, it will end in sin, and if we pursue sin, it will end in death; in contrast to ending with a crown of life. There is a choice to be made here: that of death or life? It is a simple choice, but not in practice. For the only true decision is one that is followed by actions. My beloved friends, remember to live for Christ daily and do not let temptation overcome you. The battle is against your own flesh; you can pursue your own fleshly desires or Christ, but not both. A crown or a grave? The choice is yours.
Please pray this morning for the body of Christ and encouragement for them as they persevere through trials.
After James has talked about the importance of wisdom, faithful prayer, humility in Christ, and confidence in Christ during times of trial, he now moves back to the same focus he had in verses 2 through 4 saying, "Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him." James is reminding the reader of the focal point of what he has written so far in this chapter, but he also makes some new points with this one verse. Firstly, in verse 2, James was pretty clearly referring to trials that come throughout life: "when you meet trials of various kinds." But if you look closely enough in this verse, you will notice something different: James refers to receiving the crown of life. The crown of life is a reference to the reward that Christians receive at the end of their life, namely, eternal life with God. The ESV Study Bible comments, "Crown of life alludes not to the jewel encrusted ruler's crown but to the laurel wreath given to winners in athletic games and victorious emperors." But this reward does not come until we have died and passed from this life, therefore we can assume that James is now talking about the test of life rather than the tests of life. In other words, James is indirectly asking the reader, "how did you spend your life?" For all of life is a test as is clearly pointed out in this passage, and if we are steadfast in the faith through life than we will receive the reward. The obvious implication that those who are faithful in life receive the reward is that those who aren't faithful will not receive the reward; a beautiful but terrifying statement all at once.
"Let no one say when he is being tempted, 'I am being tempted by God,' for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one." At first glance, James seems to make an abrupt turn in subject from, remain steadfast, to, God doesn't tempt anyone. However, it seems logical that the subject brought to James' mind, after he wrote about receiving the promise of those who love God, is the very thing that could keep someone from receiving that promise: temptation and sin. There is a very serious question here regarding God's sovereignty that needs to be addressed. The Bible teaches clearly that God has ordained everything that happens (1 Samuel 2:6-7, Proverbs 16:9, Psalms 105:24, Isaiah 6:10, Isaiah 63:17, John 13:18, Romans 1:21-25, Proverbs 16:4), including the lives of people and their sin. Is James in stark disagreement with the rest of the scriptures? Look again my friends. James merely makes the point that God tempts no one; he does not disagree with foreordination. Someone is asking, "If God planned for people to sin, doesn't that mean he tempted them?" Absolutely not. They are tempted by themselves. God just planned for such temptation to take place, that does not mean that the temptation did not originate in peoples minds, it means that God planned for it to originate in peoples minds. However, these are two truths of scripture that are impossible for finite creatures to completely reconcile; both truths must be accepted and applied. God did plan, and man is responsible.
"But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death." The word "desire" that James uses in this passage means "passionate longing." As I pointed out in the last paragraph, sin is birthed when people focus on their own desires or passionate longings. If we pursue this desire, it will end in sin, and if we pursue sin, it will end in death; in contrast to ending with a crown of life. There is a choice to be made here: that of death or life? It is a simple choice, but not in practice. For the only true decision is one that is followed by actions. My beloved friends, remember to live for Christ daily and do not let temptation overcome you. The battle is against your own flesh; you can pursue your own fleshly desires or Christ, but not both. A crown or a grave? The choice is yours.
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Thursday, October 4, 2012
Adjust Your Focus
"Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits." - James 1:9-11
The last two sections we have looked at in James have talked of the importance of being steadfast through trials as a Christian. At this point in the letter, James brings up a trial that was emphasized by Jesus and is common amongst many Christians today. Along with Jesus' constant denouncement of the pharisaic way of life, Jesus says in Matthew, "You cannot serve God and money" (6:24). In James 1:9-11, this point rings true once again. After James has introduced the seriousness of the Christian to remain steadfast during times of trial, he finds it appropriate to introduce one of the most common trials a Christian faces: the love of possessions.
"Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation." The word "lowly" can also be translated "meek," "humble," or "depressed." The point James starts out by making in this short statement is that depressed Christians need not be depressed. James is saying that we are exalted in Christ and we need to boast in that fact to others. It is important that the Christian does not delve too deeply into such depression or meekness because these can lead to constant sadness. This is clearly not the life the Christian is called to, especially considering the emphasis James puts on rejoicing during times of trials. He is telling believers who are low and weak to be strengthened by Christ, realize their worth, and remain steadfast in the life God has put before them; this is a call to life from death.
"and the rich [boast] in his humiliation." This statement, just as the last, is also a call from death to life. It is a call from love of the world to love of Christ; a call from pride in the world to pride in Christ. In the last statement, James encouraged the "lowly" to boast in his worth in Christ; in this statement, he calls the "rich" to boast in his "humiliation" or "low estate." In other words, both statements are calls to focus on Christ, the former emphasis is on finding your worth, whereas the latter emphasis is on focusing your worth. Both parts are addressing a Christian who has a twisted self-image; one needs to be brought up, and one needs to be brought down. The Christian today can learn much from such wisdom. Be joyful in Christ, but only Christ.
"because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits." As James finishes his talk of the importance of not focusing on your own worth, nor on your own lacking, but on Christ, he paints a vivid picture of what a man who trusts in his riches is like. James says that the "rich man will fade away in the midst of his pursuits." Does this scare you? The fact that you can waste your whole life striving for possessions and then within a moment you can pass away? Do you see why we are being called to not focus on that which is temporary, but that which is eternal? What will it matter if we have been successful financially on earth? What worth is it if not a single soul has heard the gospel because of you? Do you understand that your "beauty will perish"? Oh, how lost we are if we trust in the things of today rather than in the things of forever; what a worthless life to live. Do not make such a monumental mistake. There is no greater mistake that can be made apart from a wasted life.
I want to close with this story from John Piper's Don't Waste Your Life. "For me as a boy, one of the most gripping illustrations my fiery father used was the story of a man converted in old age. The church had prayed for this man for decades. He was hard and resistant. But this time, for some reason, he showed up when my father was preaching. At the end of the service, during a hymn, to everyone's amazement he came and took my father's hand. They sat down together on the front pew of the church as the people were dismissed. God opened his heart to the Gospel of Christ, and he was saved from his sins and given eternal life. But that did not stop him from sobbing and saying, as the tears ran down his wrinkled face - and what an impact it made on me to hear my father say this through his own tears - 'I've wasted it! I've wasted it!'" (Piper 12).
The last two sections we have looked at in James have talked of the importance of being steadfast through trials as a Christian. At this point in the letter, James brings up a trial that was emphasized by Jesus and is common amongst many Christians today. Along with Jesus' constant denouncement of the pharisaic way of life, Jesus says in Matthew, "You cannot serve God and money" (6:24). In James 1:9-11, this point rings true once again. After James has introduced the seriousness of the Christian to remain steadfast during times of trial, he finds it appropriate to introduce one of the most common trials a Christian faces: the love of possessions.
"Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation." The word "lowly" can also be translated "meek," "humble," or "depressed." The point James starts out by making in this short statement is that depressed Christians need not be depressed. James is saying that we are exalted in Christ and we need to boast in that fact to others. It is important that the Christian does not delve too deeply into such depression or meekness because these can lead to constant sadness. This is clearly not the life the Christian is called to, especially considering the emphasis James puts on rejoicing during times of trials. He is telling believers who are low and weak to be strengthened by Christ, realize their worth, and remain steadfast in the life God has put before them; this is a call to life from death.
"and the rich [boast] in his humiliation." This statement, just as the last, is also a call from death to life. It is a call from love of the world to love of Christ; a call from pride in the world to pride in Christ. In the last statement, James encouraged the "lowly" to boast in his worth in Christ; in this statement, he calls the "rich" to boast in his "humiliation" or "low estate." In other words, both statements are calls to focus on Christ, the former emphasis is on finding your worth, whereas the latter emphasis is on focusing your worth. Both parts are addressing a Christian who has a twisted self-image; one needs to be brought up, and one needs to be brought down. The Christian today can learn much from such wisdom. Be joyful in Christ, but only Christ.
"because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits." As James finishes his talk of the importance of not focusing on your own worth, nor on your own lacking, but on Christ, he paints a vivid picture of what a man who trusts in his riches is like. James says that the "rich man will fade away in the midst of his pursuits." Does this scare you? The fact that you can waste your whole life striving for possessions and then within a moment you can pass away? Do you see why we are being called to not focus on that which is temporary, but that which is eternal? What will it matter if we have been successful financially on earth? What worth is it if not a single soul has heard the gospel because of you? Do you understand that your "beauty will perish"? Oh, how lost we are if we trust in the things of today rather than in the things of forever; what a worthless life to live. Do not make such a monumental mistake. There is no greater mistake that can be made apart from a wasted life.
I want to close with this story from John Piper's Don't Waste Your Life. "For me as a boy, one of the most gripping illustrations my fiery father used was the story of a man converted in old age. The church had prayed for this man for decades. He was hard and resistant. But this time, for some reason, he showed up when my father was preaching. At the end of the service, during a hymn, to everyone's amazement he came and took my father's hand. They sat down together on the front pew of the church as the people were dismissed. God opened his heart to the Gospel of Christ, and he was saved from his sins and given eternal life. But that did not stop him from sobbing and saying, as the tears ran down his wrinkled face - and what an impact it made on me to hear my father say this through his own tears - 'I've wasted it! I've wasted it!'" (Piper 12).
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Wednesday, October 3, 2012
A Foundation Of Wisdom
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." - James 1:5-8
The first section I wrote about in James focused on rejoicing during times of trials, this second section we are going to cover (quoted above) emphasizes the importance of prayer in this pursuit.
I think it is interesting that the quality James chooses to talk about is wisdom. James does not start off this section by saying, "if any of you lack motivation" or "if any of you lack steadfastness." He starts this section off by saying, "if any of you lacks wisdom." How does wisdom correlate to rejoicing during times of trial? It seems that James is saying that the very pursuit of joy during times of trials rests upon a foundation of wisdom. Is this not true? For when you have come to a financially unstable position, or have been fired from a job, or have wronged by a person or are experiencing any other kind of trial, is the natural response not to become angry and bitter? Such a response is familiar and accepted in the world, but wisdom is folly to the world (Proverbs 1:7). Wisdom leads a Christian to a response to trials that considers eternity and the Christian worldview. Wisdom is the foundation upon which the Christian must rest in order to react righteously to unrighteousness.
How are we to acquire such wisdom? If such wisdom is so important, should we not strive for it? James is quite clear in what we are to do: "let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." Did you read that? All we have to do is ask God for wisdom and we will become wise, right? Wrong. James adds one more condition to the prayer: "But let him ask in faith, with no doubting." Now you may be thinking to yourself is that all you have to do is ask for wisdom with a faithful heart and you will become wise. I believe this is again wrong. The word "faith" means also "faithfulness," "pledge," or "proof." I think it is correct to think of faith not in terms of believing, but in terms of devoting. When James says "let him ask in faith," I believe he means let him ask with desire, devotion, and faithfulness. In other words, I don't think James is telling you only to believe God will grant the wisdom, but believe it so much that you pursue the wisdom. We are not only to ask God to provide wisdom and believe he will, but believe to the extant that we seek out such wisdom. For I believe there is little faith in asking for something from God, and not pursuing that thing with your whole heart. You have to jump for someone to catch you, you can't just sit there.
James continues, "for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind." James points out that if we do lack faith, we are like a wave of the sea. Think about that statement for a moment. What does a wave in the sea do? It exists and then dissipates, it switches directions, it is completely at the mercy of the wind. James is urging the Christian to not be this kind of person. In prayer, do not be a person who is driven because of the environment around you, or is motivated by random events that take place. Be a person set in the firm foundation of the wisdom of God so that nothing can blow your "house" over (Matthew 7). James further notes that such a person has no right to expect anything to be given him from God; not just wisdom, but anything he asks for. Such a request is at the mercy of the wind and the mercy of God is not upon it. "For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord."
Lastly, just as a wave in the sea, such a person without faith is "unstable in all his ways" and "double-minded." The person has one mind in the world and one mind in God; this is the lukewarm Christian and Revelations says Christ will spit such a person out of his mouth (Revelations 3:16).
Be faithful servants to Christ and seek wisdom with all of your heart that you may use it in times of hardship, difficult decisions, and trials. Life is not always going to be easy, so prepare before it gets hard, and if it's already hard, than take this opportunity to be strengthened in wisdom, be faithful to God, and grow in Christ. I love you friends, remember these things throughout your day.
The first section I wrote about in James focused on rejoicing during times of trials, this second section we are going to cover (quoted above) emphasizes the importance of prayer in this pursuit.
I think it is interesting that the quality James chooses to talk about is wisdom. James does not start off this section by saying, "if any of you lack motivation" or "if any of you lack steadfastness." He starts this section off by saying, "if any of you lacks wisdom." How does wisdom correlate to rejoicing during times of trial? It seems that James is saying that the very pursuit of joy during times of trials rests upon a foundation of wisdom. Is this not true? For when you have come to a financially unstable position, or have been fired from a job, or have wronged by a person or are experiencing any other kind of trial, is the natural response not to become angry and bitter? Such a response is familiar and accepted in the world, but wisdom is folly to the world (Proverbs 1:7). Wisdom leads a Christian to a response to trials that considers eternity and the Christian worldview. Wisdom is the foundation upon which the Christian must rest in order to react righteously to unrighteousness.
How are we to acquire such wisdom? If such wisdom is so important, should we not strive for it? James is quite clear in what we are to do: "let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." Did you read that? All we have to do is ask God for wisdom and we will become wise, right? Wrong. James adds one more condition to the prayer: "But let him ask in faith, with no doubting." Now you may be thinking to yourself is that all you have to do is ask for wisdom with a faithful heart and you will become wise. I believe this is again wrong. The word "faith" means also "faithfulness," "pledge," or "proof." I think it is correct to think of faith not in terms of believing, but in terms of devoting. When James says "let him ask in faith," I believe he means let him ask with desire, devotion, and faithfulness. In other words, I don't think James is telling you only to believe God will grant the wisdom, but believe it so much that you pursue the wisdom. We are not only to ask God to provide wisdom and believe he will, but believe to the extant that we seek out such wisdom. For I believe there is little faith in asking for something from God, and not pursuing that thing with your whole heart. You have to jump for someone to catch you, you can't just sit there.
James continues, "for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind." James points out that if we do lack faith, we are like a wave of the sea. Think about that statement for a moment. What does a wave in the sea do? It exists and then dissipates, it switches directions, it is completely at the mercy of the wind. James is urging the Christian to not be this kind of person. In prayer, do not be a person who is driven because of the environment around you, or is motivated by random events that take place. Be a person set in the firm foundation of the wisdom of God so that nothing can blow your "house" over (Matthew 7). James further notes that such a person has no right to expect anything to be given him from God; not just wisdom, but anything he asks for. Such a request is at the mercy of the wind and the mercy of God is not upon it. "For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord."
Lastly, just as a wave in the sea, such a person without faith is "unstable in all his ways" and "double-minded." The person has one mind in the world and one mind in God; this is the lukewarm Christian and Revelations says Christ will spit such a person out of his mouth (Revelations 3:16).
Be faithful servants to Christ and seek wisdom with all of your heart that you may use it in times of hardship, difficult decisions, and trials. Life is not always going to be easy, so prepare before it gets hard, and if it's already hard, than take this opportunity to be strengthened in wisdom, be faithful to God, and grow in Christ. I love you friends, remember these things throughout your day.
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Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Remaining Steadfast
"James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings. Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." - James 1:1-4
My blog posts are going to be camping in the book of James for a while. I wish to study more using the word of God and a little less using my mere thoughts. The passage above will be covered in this post.
The book of James was written to Jewish believers sometime in the 40's A.D. The audience is indicated in James' first statement: "To the twelve tribes in Dispersion." However, for the sake of not losing your interest quickly, we will move on to the rest of the passage.
If you read the passage as a whole, the main idea one notices is the Christian is to be joyful during trials; quite a foreign idea, is it not? Do not people, even Christians, usually curse God during trials rather than praise him? If James was trying to appeal to his readers, I'm not completely sure he did the best job. Why did he start his letter this way? The overarching theme in James is, simply put, the importance of the believer to make their faith real and practical. James starts his letter with this idea of being joyful during times of trials because 1) it tells Christians that they will face trials, and 2) it immediately points out the importance of the Christian to be different than the world. Christians do face trials; life isn't perfect once you become a Christian, in fact, it's harder (Matthew 7:13-14). James is merely trying to be truthful to fellow believers. He also jumps right into the theme of the book by alerting the reader that faith is not enough apart from renouncing worldliness and embracing righteousness.
Being joyful during times of trial is not a worldly pursuit, it is only the pursuit of a righteous person. Be sure that the joy James talks of is not a joy due to the enjoyment of suffering, but it is a joy due to the realization that such suffering will mature us in Christ (James 1:4). We are not joyful because suffering is enjoyable, but because we are focused not on the current suffering, but on the end result of that suffering. As James says in the third verse, "for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." We are joyful during times of testing because it is a time for growth and maturity in Christ. The word translated "faith" in verse 3 can also mean "pledge" or "proof." You could take it to mean devotion. In other words, James points out that all trials are a test of our devotion to God. Is this true? Are all tests a test of our faith, pledge, and allegiance to God? Or is there some test that is for another purpose? You see, all trials merit a response from the one being tried, and that response is the test. How do you respond in times of pain, suffering, hurt, anguish, sinfulness, temptation, worldly desires? Every trial that a Christian faces, including cancer, heartbreak, depression, and anxiety, are a test of our devotion to God, and the results of that test are based on our response to it.
If we are to endure times of trial, then the "testing of our faith produces steadfastness." "Steadfastness" can also be translated "endurance" or "perseverance." Further, if our steadfastness of faith has its full effect, we "may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." Do you realize friends that if we are steadfast in our faith, our allegiance, and our pledge to Christ and take that seriously, there is nothing else to be done? Do you realize yet that such steadfastness is the most important thing in the Christian walk and it encompasses the whole Christian life? If we are not steadfast, we lack faith; if we lack faith, we have missed the point. Yes, we will doubt in our Christian walk, but never doubt to the point that it causes you to make poor, unChristian decision in times of trial.
Trials are times to grow, not times to forget about Christ. These trials produce more steadfastness of our faith and that produces perfection and completeness. We live in a fallen world and cannot yet let steadfastness have its full effect because of our sin nature, but may we allow steadfastness to have the most effect possible that we may do more and more for Christ with a heart of perseverance and a strong faith.
My blog posts are going to be camping in the book of James for a while. I wish to study more using the word of God and a little less using my mere thoughts. The passage above will be covered in this post.
The book of James was written to Jewish believers sometime in the 40's A.D. The audience is indicated in James' first statement: "To the twelve tribes in Dispersion." However, for the sake of not losing your interest quickly, we will move on to the rest of the passage.
If you read the passage as a whole, the main idea one notices is the Christian is to be joyful during trials; quite a foreign idea, is it not? Do not people, even Christians, usually curse God during trials rather than praise him? If James was trying to appeal to his readers, I'm not completely sure he did the best job. Why did he start his letter this way? The overarching theme in James is, simply put, the importance of the believer to make their faith real and practical. James starts his letter with this idea of being joyful during times of trials because 1) it tells Christians that they will face trials, and 2) it immediately points out the importance of the Christian to be different than the world. Christians do face trials; life isn't perfect once you become a Christian, in fact, it's harder (Matthew 7:13-14). James is merely trying to be truthful to fellow believers. He also jumps right into the theme of the book by alerting the reader that faith is not enough apart from renouncing worldliness and embracing righteousness.
Being joyful during times of trial is not a worldly pursuit, it is only the pursuit of a righteous person. Be sure that the joy James talks of is not a joy due to the enjoyment of suffering, but it is a joy due to the realization that such suffering will mature us in Christ (James 1:4). We are not joyful because suffering is enjoyable, but because we are focused not on the current suffering, but on the end result of that suffering. As James says in the third verse, "for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." We are joyful during times of testing because it is a time for growth and maturity in Christ. The word translated "faith" in verse 3 can also mean "pledge" or "proof." You could take it to mean devotion. In other words, James points out that all trials are a test of our devotion to God. Is this true? Are all tests a test of our faith, pledge, and allegiance to God? Or is there some test that is for another purpose? You see, all trials merit a response from the one being tried, and that response is the test. How do you respond in times of pain, suffering, hurt, anguish, sinfulness, temptation, worldly desires? Every trial that a Christian faces, including cancer, heartbreak, depression, and anxiety, are a test of our devotion to God, and the results of that test are based on our response to it.
If we are to endure times of trial, then the "testing of our faith produces steadfastness." "Steadfastness" can also be translated "endurance" or "perseverance." Further, if our steadfastness of faith has its full effect, we "may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." Do you realize friends that if we are steadfast in our faith, our allegiance, and our pledge to Christ and take that seriously, there is nothing else to be done? Do you realize yet that such steadfastness is the most important thing in the Christian walk and it encompasses the whole Christian life? If we are not steadfast, we lack faith; if we lack faith, we have missed the point. Yes, we will doubt in our Christian walk, but never doubt to the point that it causes you to make poor, unChristian decision in times of trial.
Trials are times to grow, not times to forget about Christ. These trials produce more steadfastness of our faith and that produces perfection and completeness. We live in a fallen world and cannot yet let steadfastness have its full effect because of our sin nature, but may we allow steadfastness to have the most effect possible that we may do more and more for Christ with a heart of perseverance and a strong faith.
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