December 12 - James 1:1-3:18

Good morning everyone,

I love the book of James. It is thought to be written around the time of Paul’s first missionary journey by James, the half brother of Jesus. James didn’t really become a believer until after the resurrection of Christ but like so many when he finally “got it” he was all in and became a prominent leader in the church of Jerusalem. He describes himself as a bondservant, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, his ministry being vital to keeping the growing church on task, not wavering or compromising the purity of the doctrine and holding everyone together as a family in Christ. Tough job!

James speaks about how faith in Jesus should affect our behavior and the need for believers to live godly lives. In 1:19 he says take note of this: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” When we talk too much and listen too little, we communicate to others our thoughts and ideas are much more important than theirs. People love to talk about themselves, right? Just ask anyone how they are doing and most will go on and on and on. James encourages us to keep track of how much we talk and how much we listen. And when we are listening, do I have your attention?? When we are listening, pay attention to that person. HEAR what they are saying. Put your screen down, don’t be thinking about your rebuttal or “how long is this going to take” or where you would rather be. Give some respect, look at their eyes when they are talking to you and hear their words they are speaking. Friends, we are all so guilty of being self centered and down right rude in not stopping to hear the ideas, thoughts and hearts of others. I’ll admit, I am as guilty as the next guy, but it should be our purpose, our goal to make each person we come in contact with feel like their viewpoints have value and you really want to hear what they are saying. Let’s do that! Yes?!

In chapter 2 James speaks to faith and deeds. Just for the record, there is no work, no deeds, no anything that can earn you your salvation. The only way you, or anyone is every going to spend eternity in heaven is to ask Jesus into your heart, accepting Christ as your personal Savior, trusting in His death as the payment for your sins and His resurrection as your guarantee of eternal life. Okay? Having said that, as Christians, we are to be doing “deeds” to help others. Matthew 5:16 says “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” The deeds that James talks about is letting the light that shines in you by Christ Jesus flow out onto others, even non-believers. Helping where we can, with whatever we can. We all have something we can share and ways we can help those who need. Make sense?

Then there is in chapter 3 where speaking bout the tongue it says, “It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison with which we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness.” You know, we’ve all heard the children's rhyme that says, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names can never hurt me."  That sounds nice, but it just isn't true. Words can and do hurt. Nothing can be more harmful and more forever then words. They cut to the heart and echo through out the soul forever. Just when you think they are gone, BOOM! the enemy has dug it up from the recesses of decades gone by to slap you with guilt or doubt or self loathe. Don’t do that to someone! I can not say strongly enough, when you are angry, and we all get angry at times, watch your words. You can not take them back. Oh, you can say you’re sorry but the words are out there and they do not go away. 

I would encourage us all to pray Psalm 141:3, “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips!” and be the person of Proverbs 17:27, “Whoever restrains his words has knowledge, and he who has a cool spirit is a man of understanding.” and practice Psalm 19:14 ”Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer."  Once we have said it, we can't take it back, so let's make sure that our words are pleasing to God. Amen?

Have a very good day and to God be the glory.

God bless you all …..