“But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.” –James 1:25
Since today’s Scripture seems to be so tough to grasp—the perfect law that gives freedom—I have decided to simply post other complimentary scriptures that help us to see the connection between the law and freedom. May God’s Word speak clearly to you.
“Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at it while the radiance was fading away. But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” –2 Corinthians 3:12-18
“Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.” –I Peter 2:16
“You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.” –Galatians 5:13-16
“What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? By no means! Don't you know that when you offer yourselves to someone to obey him as slaves, you are slaves to the one whom you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you wholeheartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.” –Romans 6:15-18
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Friday, May 30, 2008
Freedom, Part 1
“But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it—he will be blessed in what he does.” –James 1:25
I can honestly say that I have never driven down the interstate and looked at the speed limit sign and said, “Wow, I have the freedom to drive anywhere from 45-65 miles an hour.” I have however complained that our speed limit is not has high as it is in Montana or Missouri. I have never sat down on April 14 to finish my taxes and said, “Praise God that we get to pay so much this year.” Each year I do grumble as I see how much I pay to the US government. The simple truth is that we don’t view laws as a way to set us free, but rather as a way to bind us.
I suppose the same thing can be said when we read Scripture. We have a tendency to view Scripture merely as a list of rules and regulations that help us to be more religious. It seems sometimes that God is merely a great rule maker that we have to follow or pay the consequences. We’re not the only one that sees it that way. If you ask many non-Christians to tell you what they think we are all about, and they will surely mention rules. Even the Jews of the Old Testament had a tendency to be very legalistic. That’s part of why many of the religious leaders of the day did not appreciate Jesus.
But we must understand a few scriptural concepts. One is that Jesus didn’t come to abolish the law, but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17). What this helps us to see is that the law of the Old Testament was not just a list of rules. But the Old Testament begins with creation, not Leviticus. God’s laws were created to help us to see our need for him, but also so that we would see his character. When Jesus came, he lived out the perfect law, which is rooted in reflecting the character of God.
Secondly, we must also see that the law doesn’t bind us. Instead God’s perfect law gives us freedom. It allows us to live the way that God created us to live. Only in His perfect law—which is perfect through Christ Jesus—can we find peace with God. It is in his grace that we can find life.
May the Word of God never seem to you like a big rule book. Instead may you find the freedom for living that Jesus gives to all who seek him.
I can honestly say that I have never driven down the interstate and looked at the speed limit sign and said, “Wow, I have the freedom to drive anywhere from 45-65 miles an hour.” I have however complained that our speed limit is not has high as it is in Montana or Missouri. I have never sat down on April 14 to finish my taxes and said, “Praise God that we get to pay so much this year.” Each year I do grumble as I see how much I pay to the US government. The simple truth is that we don’t view laws as a way to set us free, but rather as a way to bind us.
I suppose the same thing can be said when we read Scripture. We have a tendency to view Scripture merely as a list of rules and regulations that help us to be more religious. It seems sometimes that God is merely a great rule maker that we have to follow or pay the consequences. We’re not the only one that sees it that way. If you ask many non-Christians to tell you what they think we are all about, and they will surely mention rules. Even the Jews of the Old Testament had a tendency to be very legalistic. That’s part of why many of the religious leaders of the day did not appreciate Jesus.
But we must understand a few scriptural concepts. One is that Jesus didn’t come to abolish the law, but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17). What this helps us to see is that the law of the Old Testament was not just a list of rules. But the Old Testament begins with creation, not Leviticus. God’s laws were created to help us to see our need for him, but also so that we would see his character. When Jesus came, he lived out the perfect law, which is rooted in reflecting the character of God.
Secondly, we must also see that the law doesn’t bind us. Instead God’s perfect law gives us freedom. It allows us to live the way that God created us to live. Only in His perfect law—which is perfect through Christ Jesus—can we find peace with God. It is in his grace that we can find life.
May the Word of God never seem to you like a big rule book. Instead may you find the freedom for living that Jesus gives to all who seek him.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Mirrors
“Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.” –James 1:23-24
There are a lot of things that I see when I look in the mirror. I see food that may have gotten stuck in my teeth. I see the grayish/white hairs that grow in my goatee. I see whether my eyebrows need to be ‘tamed’ or not. Sometimes, I still even see the onset of acne. Often times I will take a look at what I am wearing and realize that I don’t like the way that it looks. Believe it or not, this will bother me so badly that even an hour later, I will go in and change, because I’ve just been thinking about it the whole time. It isn’t always pleasant what I see, but you had better bet that it leads to self awareness.
So if what we see in our physical mirrors when we look into them, how much more should we remember what we see when we look into our spiritual mirrors, the Word of God? When we look into the Word, we see our shortcomings and our character flaws, but we also should see us through the lenses of grace at work in our lives. We see that we aren’t who we used to be anymore, but that in Christ we are a new creation. We aren’t to act the way that we used to act. We are now a holy people.
Look deeply into Scripture. See who God has created you to be. Notice the details. Be familiar with your shortcomings, but also with God’s grace. Now don’t forget what you look like in God’s sight. As you go about your life, live out what you saw in the Word.
There are a lot of things that I see when I look in the mirror. I see food that may have gotten stuck in my teeth. I see the grayish/white hairs that grow in my goatee. I see whether my eyebrows need to be ‘tamed’ or not. Sometimes, I still even see the onset of acne. Often times I will take a look at what I am wearing and realize that I don’t like the way that it looks. Believe it or not, this will bother me so badly that even an hour later, I will go in and change, because I’ve just been thinking about it the whole time. It isn’t always pleasant what I see, but you had better bet that it leads to self awareness.
So if what we see in our physical mirrors when we look into them, how much more should we remember what we see when we look into our spiritual mirrors, the Word of God? When we look into the Word, we see our shortcomings and our character flaws, but we also should see us through the lenses of grace at work in our lives. We see that we aren’t who we used to be anymore, but that in Christ we are a new creation. We aren’t to act the way that we used to act. We are now a holy people.
Look deeply into Scripture. See who God has created you to be. Notice the details. Be familiar with your shortcomings, but also with God’s grace. Now don’t forget what you look like in God’s sight. As you go about your life, live out what you saw in the Word.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Listening and Living
“Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” –James 1:22
Whenever I was growing up, Mom would often utter her commands, such as “Dustin, you need to take out the trash.’ Or, “Dustin, turn off the TV and come to supper.” Whatever command she spoke, it was often followed by a question: “Did you hear me?” It’s an interesting question, isn’t it? Now, my hearing has never been great, but it is at the very least average. But what my Mom assumed is that when we hear something that is true or spoken from one in authority, we should do it. Simple enough, right? Your Bible says, “Love your neighbor,” then you should put it to practice. Your boss says, “Call this client,” then you should probably give them a call. The speed limit sign says 55, then you should . . . well, I’ll leave that one alone.
This command of James is so simple it is almost insulting. It would be insulting except for the fact it is so tough to live out. We relate so well to Paul and Romans 7, where he documents his own personal struggle with sin. Yet, what makes this statement interesting is the word ‘deceive.’ I think there is a direct application here to religious people. We gather every week and listen to the Word (or preach it), and yet what is preached is in many ways impossible to live out. But yet we get spiritually arrogant. We live morally ‘okay’ lives compared to others in our culture and call it good enough. We buy into the lie that if we’re a little better than average, then we’ve met our goal. We deceive ourselves.
One of the keys has to lie in the previous verse, where we are instructed to ‘humbly accept the word.’ We can’t go to the Word to back our agendas or our own personal self-righteousness. We must come to the Word with our lives open to be changed by the Holy Spirit. Only then can we begin to live out this verse.
Lord, give us the humility to approach your Word with a sense of desperation, knowing that we need your wisdom to transform our lives. Amen.
Whenever I was growing up, Mom would often utter her commands, such as “Dustin, you need to take out the trash.’ Or, “Dustin, turn off the TV and come to supper.” Whatever command she spoke, it was often followed by a question: “Did you hear me?” It’s an interesting question, isn’t it? Now, my hearing has never been great, but it is at the very least average. But what my Mom assumed is that when we hear something that is true or spoken from one in authority, we should do it. Simple enough, right? Your Bible says, “Love your neighbor,” then you should put it to practice. Your boss says, “Call this client,” then you should probably give them a call. The speed limit sign says 55, then you should . . . well, I’ll leave that one alone.
This command of James is so simple it is almost insulting. It would be insulting except for the fact it is so tough to live out. We relate so well to Paul and Romans 7, where he documents his own personal struggle with sin. Yet, what makes this statement interesting is the word ‘deceive.’ I think there is a direct application here to religious people. We gather every week and listen to the Word (or preach it), and yet what is preached is in many ways impossible to live out. But yet we get spiritually arrogant. We live morally ‘okay’ lives compared to others in our culture and call it good enough. We buy into the lie that if we’re a little better than average, then we’ve met our goal. We deceive ourselves.
One of the keys has to lie in the previous verse, where we are instructed to ‘humbly accept the word.’ We can’t go to the Word to back our agendas or our own personal self-righteousness. We must come to the Word with our lives open to be changed by the Holy Spirit. Only then can we begin to live out this verse.
Lord, give us the humility to approach your Word with a sense of desperation, knowing that we need your wisdom to transform our lives. Amen.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Ridding or Kidding
“My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.” —James 1:19-21
If we don’t think that our culture around us affects who we are, we are only kidding ourselves. Culture molds our minds and affects our actions. Sadly, often we don’t even realize that it is happening.
When we read this Scripture, we often look only at the first verse and talk about our need to listen. There is a lot of wisdom in being listeners. The way in which we listen shows others a great deal about the way that we love. However, there is a difference between listening and being molded by our culture. That’s why James tells us that we are to ‘get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.’
What role does Scripture play in your life? Does it have a second, third, or fourth voice to materialism, media, and music, or does it have the first voice? In order for Scripture to play the primary voice, we have to rid ourselves of moral filth. It doesn’t mean that we need to separate ourselves completely from culture, like the Amish, but the simple truth is it will require separating from certain areas that have a stronghold on our lives. I can’t tell you what they are for you. That is where wisdom comes in.
Ridding ourselves of moral filth requires us to make personal sacrifices. It requires us to be willing to take a deep look in the mirror and see our personal struggles. We have to then be willing to extract those areas from our lives and humbly accept the Word of God. However, God’s Word does not leave us empty in the end. Rather it brings about God’s righteousness, and ultimately, it brings us salvation in Jesus Christ.
Are you ridding yourself from the negative affects of our culture and replacing them with the Word of God, or are you just kidding yourself?
If we don’t think that our culture around us affects who we are, we are only kidding ourselves. Culture molds our minds and affects our actions. Sadly, often we don’t even realize that it is happening.
When we read this Scripture, we often look only at the first verse and talk about our need to listen. There is a lot of wisdom in being listeners. The way in which we listen shows others a great deal about the way that we love. However, there is a difference between listening and being molded by our culture. That’s why James tells us that we are to ‘get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.’
What role does Scripture play in your life? Does it have a second, third, or fourth voice to materialism, media, and music, or does it have the first voice? In order for Scripture to play the primary voice, we have to rid ourselves of moral filth. It doesn’t mean that we need to separate ourselves completely from culture, like the Amish, but the simple truth is it will require separating from certain areas that have a stronghold on our lives. I can’t tell you what they are for you. That is where wisdom comes in.
Ridding ourselves of moral filth requires us to make personal sacrifices. It requires us to be willing to take a deep look in the mirror and see our personal struggles. We have to then be willing to extract those areas from our lives and humbly accept the Word of God. However, God’s Word does not leave us empty in the end. Rather it brings about God’s righteousness, and ultimately, it brings us salvation in Jesus Christ.
Are you ridding yourself from the negative affects of our culture and replacing them with the Word of God, or are you just kidding yourself?
Monday, May 26, 2008
So, what does anger have to do with this?
“My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.” –James 1:19-20
Okay, so I’m confused. I understand the part about “Be quick to listen and slow to speak.” Got it. They go together. But what’s the deal with this whole “and slow to become angry?” What does this have to do with anything? Sure, it makes sense on its own, but what does anger have to do with speaking and listening?
Well, come to find out, James is not completely original in what he is saying. He is quoting partially from the book of Sirach, which is considered Jewish devotional literature. You could say it is their version of “Streams in the Desert.” It was written about 200 BC. In one passage, it says, “Be quick to hear, and be deliberate in answering. If you have understanding, answer your neighbor; but if not, put your hand on your mouth. Glory and dishonor come from speaking, and a man’s tongue is his downfall.” It’s nice, but it still doesn’t mention anything about anger.
I guess I’ll take a shot at it. For one, it is speaking largely of emotional responses. If you think about it, a lot of times we speak and say things we shouldn’t because of our emotional states. Anger is also largely emotional. However, it also makes sense that when we get into a discussion with someone, often times we say something or they say something that deeply upsets us. It may be intentional or not, but it happens. I believe James is teaching us that we need to not only be careful about what we say, but also we must be very careful against becoming angry when someone says something offensive towards us.
So here’s the deal: whether its your boss, your spouse, or your kids that say something offensive to you, just stop. Take a deep breath. Try to hear whatever it is they were trying to say, or remember, maybe they’re just having a bad day. Maybe you just need to walk away. Maybe you need to give them the opportunity to clarify. Maybe you even need to confront them with their inappropriate behavior. But slow down! Be patient. Choose your words wisely. And remember, their words don’t justify your anger.
Okay, so I’m confused. I understand the part about “Be quick to listen and slow to speak.” Got it. They go together. But what’s the deal with this whole “and slow to become angry?” What does this have to do with anything? Sure, it makes sense on its own, but what does anger have to do with speaking and listening?
Well, come to find out, James is not completely original in what he is saying. He is quoting partially from the book of Sirach, which is considered Jewish devotional literature. You could say it is their version of “Streams in the Desert.” It was written about 200 BC. In one passage, it says, “Be quick to hear, and be deliberate in answering. If you have understanding, answer your neighbor; but if not, put your hand on your mouth. Glory and dishonor come from speaking, and a man’s tongue is his downfall.” It’s nice, but it still doesn’t mention anything about anger.
I guess I’ll take a shot at it. For one, it is speaking largely of emotional responses. If you think about it, a lot of times we speak and say things we shouldn’t because of our emotional states. Anger is also largely emotional. However, it also makes sense that when we get into a discussion with someone, often times we say something or they say something that deeply upsets us. It may be intentional or not, but it happens. I believe James is teaching us that we need to not only be careful about what we say, but also we must be very careful against becoming angry when someone says something offensive towards us.
So here’s the deal: whether its your boss, your spouse, or your kids that say something offensive to you, just stop. Take a deep breath. Try to hear whatever it is they were trying to say, or remember, maybe they’re just having a bad day. Maybe you just need to walk away. Maybe you need to give them the opportunity to clarify. Maybe you even need to confront them with their inappropriate behavior. But slow down! Be patient. Choose your words wisely. And remember, their words don’t justify your anger.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Go into all the world and . . . keep your mouth shut!
“My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry . . .” –James 1:19
Growing up in an evangelical background, it seems that I was always taught that it was my duty not only to verbally witness to others, but also to let others know where I stood on every moral issue known to man. I don’t know if your experience has been the same or not, but we sure do put an awfully large emphasis on the words we say.
There is no denying that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is good news. It should be shared. However, there is another side of the Christian life that tells us we need to be cautious with our words, and along with that, we must also be intentional about listening.
This steps on my toes more than just a bit. I’m always the one who loves to be at the center of the conversation. Part of that is my personality. Part of that is I often believe that what I have to say is more important than what others have to say. That’s the tough part. If God is the all-knowing creator of the universe (which I believe he is), and yet he still takes the time to listen to our ramblings when we pray to him, how much more should we be willing to listen to others?
How much of your life is devoted to listening? How much do you listen to your spouse? How about people that have different political views from you or who wear you out with their words? The simple truth is that listening does not mean that we agree with someone, it simply means that we love them.
Growing up in an evangelical background, it seems that I was always taught that it was my duty not only to verbally witness to others, but also to let others know where I stood on every moral issue known to man. I don’t know if your experience has been the same or not, but we sure do put an awfully large emphasis on the words we say.
There is no denying that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is good news. It should be shared. However, there is another side of the Christian life that tells us we need to be cautious with our words, and along with that, we must also be intentional about listening.
This steps on my toes more than just a bit. I’m always the one who loves to be at the center of the conversation. Part of that is my personality. Part of that is I often believe that what I have to say is more important than what others have to say. That’s the tough part. If God is the all-knowing creator of the universe (which I believe he is), and yet he still takes the time to listen to our ramblings when we pray to him, how much more should we be willing to listen to others?
How much of your life is devoted to listening? How much do you listen to your spouse? How about people that have different political views from you or who wear you out with their words? The simple truth is that listening does not mean that we agree with someone, it simply means that we love them.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Firstfruits
“He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.” –James 1:18
There’s a big difference between good fruit and bad fruit. I know that my wife will stop going to a grocery store if the fruit is not good and fresh. I can definitely tell the difference when I bite into a crisp apple as opposed to one that has been dropped or is simply old. In the Old Testament, it often talks about firstfruits. That is, in their largely agricultural communities, they would bring the first and the best of their harvest and give it to God as an offering. Their firstfruits were an act of faith that God would provide even more.
James tells us that we are ‘a kind of fristfruits of all he (God) created.’ We aren’t meant to be the whole harvest, but we are the first, and a promise that there will be more. In many ways our lives are meant to be on display for others to see, not to show off, but simply to live out the work that God has done in us as a witness to others of how good our God is.
Chances are God wants to use you to bring in more of the harvest as well. There are people in your family, at your jobs, and in your neighborhood that you can reach. Your fruit (actions, character, etc) will make the difference. May your life just be the start of what God is doing all around you.
There’s a big difference between good fruit and bad fruit. I know that my wife will stop going to a grocery store if the fruit is not good and fresh. I can definitely tell the difference when I bite into a crisp apple as opposed to one that has been dropped or is simply old. In the Old Testament, it often talks about firstfruits. That is, in their largely agricultural communities, they would bring the first and the best of their harvest and give it to God as an offering. Their firstfruits were an act of faith that God would provide even more.
James tells us that we are ‘a kind of fristfruits of all he (God) created.’ We aren’t meant to be the whole harvest, but we are the first, and a promise that there will be more. In many ways our lives are meant to be on display for others to see, not to show off, but simply to live out the work that God has done in us as a witness to others of how good our God is.
Chances are God wants to use you to bring in more of the harvest as well. There are people in your family, at your jobs, and in your neighborhood that you can reach. Your fruit (actions, character, etc) will make the difference. May your life just be the start of what God is doing all around you.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Celebrating New Life Everyday
“He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.” –James 1:18
Kristen and I have been able to experience a lot of our friends bringing children into the world recently. It’s a wonderful time to celebrate new life. We have also been able to witness many people coming to Christ through our church, and as Jesus says, they are ‘born again’ into salvation that comes from God.
We use that phrase ‘born again’ a lot. We generally use it only to refer to an experience that we encountered when we were baptized or when we ‘asked Jesus into our hearts.’ But the truth is that while we celebrated the births of those children recently, those babies are just starting to live. Their parents will not just celebrate they day they were born, but they’ll keep celebrating as they learn to roll over, take their first steps, say their first words. It won’t stop there. They’ll celebrate when they graduate high school, when they get married, and then they’ll really celebrate when they have their first grandbaby.
When God gives us birth, it isn’t just a moment or a breath of life. Rather, it is the walk of a lifetime. James says that this birth takes place through the ‘word of truth,’ or through Scripture. The rest of this passage speaks about how the Word of God changes our life.
Is the life that God has given you a distant memory about a religious experience, or is it something that you’re still celebrating as you live out your faith? We all have periods of stagnancy. I experience them way too often. However, God is faithful to continue to work in us and through us by the Word of God, so that we might keep celebrating with every step of new life that we take.
What is the next step that God has for you to take?
Kristen and I have been able to experience a lot of our friends bringing children into the world recently. It’s a wonderful time to celebrate new life. We have also been able to witness many people coming to Christ through our church, and as Jesus says, they are ‘born again’ into salvation that comes from God.
We use that phrase ‘born again’ a lot. We generally use it only to refer to an experience that we encountered when we were baptized or when we ‘asked Jesus into our hearts.’ But the truth is that while we celebrated the births of those children recently, those babies are just starting to live. Their parents will not just celebrate they day they were born, but they’ll keep celebrating as they learn to roll over, take their first steps, say their first words. It won’t stop there. They’ll celebrate when they graduate high school, when they get married, and then they’ll really celebrate when they have their first grandbaby.
When God gives us birth, it isn’t just a moment or a breath of life. Rather, it is the walk of a lifetime. James says that this birth takes place through the ‘word of truth,’ or through Scripture. The rest of this passage speaks about how the Word of God changes our life.
Is the life that God has given you a distant memory about a religious experience, or is it something that you’re still celebrating as you live out your faith? We all have periods of stagnancy. I experience them way too often. However, God is faithful to continue to work in us and through us by the Word of God, so that we might keep celebrating with every step of new life that we take.
What is the next step that God has for you to take?
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Of Stars and Shadows
“Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
–James 1:16-17
I must admit, that as much of me likes to be somewhat adventurous on vacations, there’s a part of me that likes to just go sit on the beach. There’s something about the waves, the sand between the toes, and the salty breeze. And as much as it is nice to be out in the sun, there’s nothing like one of those big shade umbrellas. The only problem with them is that they don’t move. The sun moves and casts shadows in different places, but then I’ve got to move to get back in the shade. Major problem!
Shadows are great for sunny days. But they are not something from which we should take directions. On the fourth day of the Genesis creation narrative, Scripture tells us that God ordered the stars so that we could gather our direction. James draws a parallel here that the direction that we gather from the stars is really a reflection of the trustworthy character of God. He can be trusted. But we must also catch the other parallel—we are like the shifting shadows! We have our ups, our downs, and ultimately we can deceive ourselves in a hurry.
What is your source for directions? Do you trust in your own judgment, or are you turning to the character of God? I must admit, sometimes it is appealing to trust ourselves rather than God. I like to have the control. But the stability of God’s character and his wisdom is always best in the end. He does not change like the shifting shadows.
–James 1:16-17
I must admit, that as much of me likes to be somewhat adventurous on vacations, there’s a part of me that likes to just go sit on the beach. There’s something about the waves, the sand between the toes, and the salty breeze. And as much as it is nice to be out in the sun, there’s nothing like one of those big shade umbrellas. The only problem with them is that they don’t move. The sun moves and casts shadows in different places, but then I’ve got to move to get back in the shade. Major problem!
Shadows are great for sunny days. But they are not something from which we should take directions. On the fourth day of the Genesis creation narrative, Scripture tells us that God ordered the stars so that we could gather our direction. James draws a parallel here that the direction that we gather from the stars is really a reflection of the trustworthy character of God. He can be trusted. But we must also catch the other parallel—we are like the shifting shadows! We have our ups, our downs, and ultimately we can deceive ourselves in a hurry.
What is your source for directions? Do you trust in your own judgment, or are you turning to the character of God? I must admit, sometimes it is appealing to trust ourselves rather than God. I like to have the control. But the stability of God’s character and his wisdom is always best in the end. He does not change like the shifting shadows.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
The Path of Temptation
“. . . Each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” –James 1:14-15
If I’m going to overcome temptation, I have to understand it. James gives us a pattern here for how temptation works. It starts with self-baiting. The original language words for ‘dragged away’ and ‘enticed’ are hunting and fishing words that refer to when someone sets a trap or baits a hook. In other words, our own evil desires within us set a trap in our minds. This often happens through some type of self-justification. We tell ourselves that we deserve revenge because someone wronged us. We tell ourselves that it is easier to lie than to tell the truth, but we forget the consequences. We bite the hook that we baited. Once that desire is planted, sin is in the works. It is so difficult to stop the train of temptation once we let it get momentum. This is what happens by the time the desire gets there. And of course, the wages of sin is death.
So what do we do with temptation? I wish I could tell you I am some kind of expert at it, but my expertise often comes from failure rather than success. It is safe to say though that if we are going to overcome temptation, we have to be willing to get to know ourselves in the light of Scripture. We have to understand areas where evil still reigns within us. When we understand our weaknesses, we can begin to see where we lie to ourselves in order to find temporary gratification. I can’t help but say that we must have accountability here too. We have to be vulnerable to those who are closest to us so that they can have eyes for us to see when we are deceiving ourselves as well.
Being honest and examining ourselves is not easy. It is quite painful to be refined in light of Scripture, but remember that God is gracious. Our sins are paid for at the cross. God does not expose our sin so that we might be condemned. Rather, He exposes our sin so that we can find healing in Him.
Are you ready to really know yourself the way that God does? It is painful, but once you begin to understand yourself, you will be on the road to overcoming temptation.
If I’m going to overcome temptation, I have to understand it. James gives us a pattern here for how temptation works. It starts with self-baiting. The original language words for ‘dragged away’ and ‘enticed’ are hunting and fishing words that refer to when someone sets a trap or baits a hook. In other words, our own evil desires within us set a trap in our minds. This often happens through some type of self-justification. We tell ourselves that we deserve revenge because someone wronged us. We tell ourselves that it is easier to lie than to tell the truth, but we forget the consequences. We bite the hook that we baited. Once that desire is planted, sin is in the works. It is so difficult to stop the train of temptation once we let it get momentum. This is what happens by the time the desire gets there. And of course, the wages of sin is death.
So what do we do with temptation? I wish I could tell you I am some kind of expert at it, but my expertise often comes from failure rather than success. It is safe to say though that if we are going to overcome temptation, we have to be willing to get to know ourselves in the light of Scripture. We have to understand areas where evil still reigns within us. When we understand our weaknesses, we can begin to see where we lie to ourselves in order to find temporary gratification. I can’t help but say that we must have accountability here too. We have to be vulnerable to those who are closest to us so that they can have eyes for us to see when we are deceiving ourselves as well.
Being honest and examining ourselves is not easy. It is quite painful to be refined in light of Scripture, but remember that God is gracious. Our sins are paid for at the cross. God does not expose our sin so that we might be condemned. Rather, He exposes our sin so that we can find healing in Him.
Are you ready to really know yourself the way that God does? It is painful, but once you begin to understand yourself, you will be on the road to overcoming temptation.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
When the Enemy is Me
“When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.” –James 1:13-14
There is no question that Satan is at work in our world. There are times when I have clearly seen spiritual warfare come against people and churches, especially during times when God is doing something great within his people. However, we cannot blame everything evil on him. The simple truth is that if we blame him for everything, then we are giving him way too much credit. It is fascinating that James never even mentions Satan in the midst of this passage on temptation. But he does mention us.
Too often our theology comes very close to dualism—a belief system that is centered upon God and Satan having equal powers. The simple truth is that Satan is not omnipresent—he cannot be everywhere at once. He is not omniscient—he does not know everything. He is not omnipotent—he does not have all the power in the world. Thus we cannot blame everything evil on him.
This leads me to believe that I have to be willing to take personal responsibility for my sin. While there are times when Satan tempts us, just as he tempted Jesus, I must take responsibility for both temptation and sin. Granted, it is not as easy as simply saying, “The devil made me do it.” However, as hundreds of thousands who have gone through 12 step programs have confessed, personal responsibility is essential to healing.
I have to come to grips with the fact that Satan is not the only enemy in my life. I must also grasp that way too often the enemy is me.
There is no question that Satan is at work in our world. There are times when I have clearly seen spiritual warfare come against people and churches, especially during times when God is doing something great within his people. However, we cannot blame everything evil on him. The simple truth is that if we blame him for everything, then we are giving him way too much credit. It is fascinating that James never even mentions Satan in the midst of this passage on temptation. But he does mention us.
Too often our theology comes very close to dualism—a belief system that is centered upon God and Satan having equal powers. The simple truth is that Satan is not omnipresent—he cannot be everywhere at once. He is not omniscient—he does not know everything. He is not omnipotent—he does not have all the power in the world. Thus we cannot blame everything evil on him.
This leads me to believe that I have to be willing to take personal responsibility for my sin. While there are times when Satan tempts us, just as he tempted Jesus, I must take responsibility for both temptation and sin. Granted, it is not as easy as simply saying, “The devil made me do it.” However, as hundreds of thousands who have gone through 12 step programs have confessed, personal responsibility is essential to healing.
I have to come to grips with the fact that Satan is not the only enemy in my life. I must also grasp that way too often the enemy is me.
Monday, May 19, 2008
When Trials Become Temptations
“When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed.” –James 1:13-14
What is the difference between a trial and a temptation? It is a tough question to answer, as it seems that the two seem to get blurred rather quickly. In fact, James seems to make very little distinction between the two. The word translated ‘trial’ in verses 2-11 is the same root word that is translated ‘tempted’ in verses 13-14. The word is really a neutral word.
This passage helps me to understand the dilemma I face. When I go through a trial, what is brought out most clearly is my own sinfulness and struggle with purity. It is not that the trial is evil, but rather my own sinfulness is brought to light, as I begin to think evil thoughts and to scheme everything from revenge to avoidance of anything tough.
Temptations aren’t fun. I’d just assume experience trials without them. The more we experience them, the more we understand the depth of our need for God. But we have to be able to identify when we are tempting ourselves. Do you know yourself well enough to be able to see when your own desires tempt you in the midst of trials?
What is the difference between a trial and a temptation? It is a tough question to answer, as it seems that the two seem to get blurred rather quickly. In fact, James seems to make very little distinction between the two. The word translated ‘trial’ in verses 2-11 is the same root word that is translated ‘tempted’ in verses 13-14. The word is really a neutral word.
This passage helps me to understand the dilemma I face. When I go through a trial, what is brought out most clearly is my own sinfulness and struggle with purity. It is not that the trial is evil, but rather my own sinfulness is brought to light, as I begin to think evil thoughts and to scheme everything from revenge to avoidance of anything tough.
Temptations aren’t fun. I’d just assume experience trials without them. The more we experience them, the more we understand the depth of our need for God. But we have to be able to identify when we are tempting ourselves. Do you know yourself well enough to be able to see when your own desires tempt you in the midst of trials?
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Worth the Wait
“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” –James 1:12
Last night, Kristen and I had the opportunity to speak to a Father-Daughter Purity Ball. It was a neat experience, seeing girls from elementary school all the way into college dancing and having a good time with their dads and grandpas. It was also actually the first time that Kristen and I had ever shared together during a speaking engagement. We were brought in to simply share our story of how we met.
It was a really good reminder for us about how our story was not at all how we would have wrote it—it took a lot more time than we ever would have expected. I know for me, it was about 5 years longer than what I wanted before we met, and for Kristen it was . . . well, you can ask her if you want to know! But God’s plan is always best. I wouldn’t say we persevered exactly as we should have, but for the most part, we stuck it out and waited . . . and waited . . . and waited. And you know what? It was absolutely worth the wait. As we reflect, we realize that if we would have met 1 month sooner than what we did, we wouldn’t have been ready. It literally took that long until we finally were at peace with who we were in Christ. God knew perfectly what we needed, and when we hung in there, he rewarded us.
Now this passage is not just talking about an earthly reward, as special as they can be. It is speaking of eternal rewards. In this world we will have trials. We will be tempted to give up, to take alternate courses, or to try to make things happen on our own. But when we persevere and trust in God, we will truly experience eternal rewards.
In the midst of your trials, are you keeping an eternal perspective?
Last night, Kristen and I had the opportunity to speak to a Father-Daughter Purity Ball. It was a neat experience, seeing girls from elementary school all the way into college dancing and having a good time with their dads and grandpas. It was also actually the first time that Kristen and I had ever shared together during a speaking engagement. We were brought in to simply share our story of how we met.
It was a really good reminder for us about how our story was not at all how we would have wrote it—it took a lot more time than we ever would have expected. I know for me, it was about 5 years longer than what I wanted before we met, and for Kristen it was . . . well, you can ask her if you want to know! But God’s plan is always best. I wouldn’t say we persevered exactly as we should have, but for the most part, we stuck it out and waited . . . and waited . . . and waited. And you know what? It was absolutely worth the wait. As we reflect, we realize that if we would have met 1 month sooner than what we did, we wouldn’t have been ready. It literally took that long until we finally were at peace with who we were in Christ. God knew perfectly what we needed, and when we hung in there, he rewarded us.
Now this passage is not just talking about an earthly reward, as special as they can be. It is speaking of eternal rewards. In this world we will have trials. We will be tempted to give up, to take alternate courses, or to try to make things happen on our own. But when we persevere and trust in God, we will truly experience eternal rewards.
In the midst of your trials, are you keeping an eternal perspective?
Taking Pride in Poverty
“The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.” –James 1:9-11
You could ask every little kid on the face of the planet what he wants to do when he grows up, and I doubt any of them would say, “I want to live in poverty. I want to never know where my next meal is coming from. I don’t even want a roof over my head.” I know I’ve never said that. I’m sure the people whom James was writing too didn’t have that attitude either. Yet, probably about 90% of them were living in poverty. Having been recently scattered from Jerusalem as a result of persecution, many of them left with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
In the midst of it all, I bet their hearts were more in tune with God’s heart than they would have been if they still were living in comfort. One of my greatest weaknesses is that I love comfort way too much. I love this spot on my couch where I am sitting now. It is practically molded to the shape of my rear end. No one else can sit here. I love my big screen TV, my high speed wireless internet, and my reliable car. While these things can be of great service to me, they really don’t help me to desire God any more.
This week I was hit with the thought, “What are you seeking God about right now?” Maybe another way to put it is to say, “What are you praying towards right now?” It hit me because Kristen and I have started praying more specifically about some certain things. But I had to ask the question, “I am involved in a church staff. How are we seeking God together in a specific manner?” Or, “I am involved with our church Elders who are responsible for leading an entire church. Where are we showing our dependence upon God by seeking him together in a specific area?”
It doesn’t take absolute poverty to have an absolute dependence on God—at least I hope not. But, let’s hear it. How are you seeking God right now in a specific manner? What life circumstance has you seeking him in this way?
You could ask every little kid on the face of the planet what he wants to do when he grows up, and I doubt any of them would say, “I want to live in poverty. I want to never know where my next meal is coming from. I don’t even want a roof over my head.” I know I’ve never said that. I’m sure the people whom James was writing too didn’t have that attitude either. Yet, probably about 90% of them were living in poverty. Having been recently scattered from Jerusalem as a result of persecution, many of them left with nothing but the clothes on their backs.
In the midst of it all, I bet their hearts were more in tune with God’s heart than they would have been if they still were living in comfort. One of my greatest weaknesses is that I love comfort way too much. I love this spot on my couch where I am sitting now. It is practically molded to the shape of my rear end. No one else can sit here. I love my big screen TV, my high speed wireless internet, and my reliable car. While these things can be of great service to me, they really don’t help me to desire God any more.
This week I was hit with the thought, “What are you seeking God about right now?” Maybe another way to put it is to say, “What are you praying towards right now?” It hit me because Kristen and I have started praying more specifically about some certain things. But I had to ask the question, “I am involved in a church staff. How are we seeking God together in a specific manner?” Or, “I am involved with our church Elders who are responsible for leading an entire church. Where are we showing our dependence upon God by seeking him together in a specific area?”
It doesn’t take absolute poverty to have an absolute dependence on God—at least I hope not. But, let’s hear it. How are you seeking God right now in a specific manner? What life circumstance has you seeking him in this way?
Friday, May 16, 2008
Steady Living in an Unsteady World
“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.” –James 1:5-8
One of the most difficult things I’ve found in my life is to be single-minded. Now I don’t mean single as in not married. I did ok at that while I was unmarried. But how often the mind of Christ is washed away by the mind of this world that is still here with me. Paul says in Romans 7, “So I find this law at work: When I want to do good evil is right there with me.”
I was in the midst of the discussion the other day that was intriguing. We were talking about how people new to the faith really appreciate many of the ‘single minded’ people at Jeff Street because of the stability that they have in their lives. Someone responded, “But life isn’t stable,” which they were absolutely right. It is full of ups, downs, and in-betweens. Yet these people who are most respected are remaining steady in their faith through the midst of the ups and downs. They may not be the fastest growers, but their growth will stay, because they are such stable people.
We don’t get there overnight. We must gradually work to overcome the double-mindedness by transforming our minds through Scripture, prayer, and living in community with healthy people. However, think of the benefits you receive when your life remains stable even when your world is turned upside down. That is a life worth living.
One of the most difficult things I’ve found in my life is to be single-minded. Now I don’t mean single as in not married. I did ok at that while I was unmarried. But how often the mind of Christ is washed away by the mind of this world that is still here with me. Paul says in Romans 7, “So I find this law at work: When I want to do good evil is right there with me.”
I was in the midst of the discussion the other day that was intriguing. We were talking about how people new to the faith really appreciate many of the ‘single minded’ people at Jeff Street because of the stability that they have in their lives. Someone responded, “But life isn’t stable,” which they were absolutely right. It is full of ups, downs, and in-betweens. Yet these people who are most respected are remaining steady in their faith through the midst of the ups and downs. They may not be the fastest growers, but their growth will stay, because they are such stable people.
We don’t get there overnight. We must gradually work to overcome the double-mindedness by transforming our minds through Scripture, prayer, and living in community with healthy people. However, think of the benefits you receive when your life remains stable even when your world is turned upside down. That is a life worth living.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Blown Out Backs and Thorns in the Flesh
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” –James 1:2-4
The last two days we looked at identifying with Jesus and the development of perseverance as reasons that we face trials. While there are several more we could study, today we will look at a third reason: to make us humble.
“To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” -2 Corinthians 12:7-9
Just a few years ago, I was trying to get back in shape, largely for selfish reasons. We were going to have a charity basketball game and I really wanted to show up the competition. I knew my motives weren’t simply to help people, but to show off. I thought in my mind that because I was so wanting to show off for my glory, surely I’d turn an ankle or something so that God would get my attention. Well, I kept working out and instead of turning my ankle, I blew out a disc in my back and had to have surgery! Do I blame that on God? Well, I’m not so sure about that. But did God use it to get my attention? Yes. When I get a bit of numbness down my leg does God still use it to remind me how fragile I am and how dependent on him I need to be? Yes.
God doesn’t need superstar Christians who show off their gifts and talents. There are plenty of those in the world. The truth is that God will only bless our gifts when we have the right character to back up those talents. If it takes a trial to make us humble, may we be willing to endure so that we might be made holy.
The last two days we looked at identifying with Jesus and the development of perseverance as reasons that we face trials. While there are several more we could study, today we will look at a third reason: to make us humble.
“To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” -2 Corinthians 12:7-9
Just a few years ago, I was trying to get back in shape, largely for selfish reasons. We were going to have a charity basketball game and I really wanted to show up the competition. I knew my motives weren’t simply to help people, but to show off. I thought in my mind that because I was so wanting to show off for my glory, surely I’d turn an ankle or something so that God would get my attention. Well, I kept working out and instead of turning my ankle, I blew out a disc in my back and had to have surgery! Do I blame that on God? Well, I’m not so sure about that. But did God use it to get my attention? Yes. When I get a bit of numbness down my leg does God still use it to remind me how fragile I am and how dependent on him I need to be? Yes.
God doesn’t need superstar Christians who show off their gifts and talents. There are plenty of those in the world. The truth is that God will only bless our gifts when we have the right character to back up those talents. If it takes a trial to make us humble, may we be willing to endure so that we might be made holy.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Perseverance in a World of Instant Gratification
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything” –James 1:2-4
Yesterday we discussed that one of the reasons for our trials is so we can identify with Christ. Today we will talk about the reason mentioned in James: the development of perseverance.
Perseverance doesn’t come naturally in our world. We live in a fast food, instant message, oil change in 10 minutes or less culture. In the last few years, we have seen the beginning of the transition from scheduled TV shows to on demand programming. We don’t want to wait for anything. Yet we have a God who seems to refuse to give us what we want right away. That doesn’t just go for stuff. It also goes for character.
The simple truth is that trials can wind up being the greatest blessing. This is especially true with the ‘testing of our faith’ that James talks about. As much as I love being surrounded by Christians, the simple truth is that I’m not tested as much when I’m not around people in the world. We must guard ourselves from staying in our ‘holy huddles’ just as much as we should guard ourselves from being influenced by the world.
Don’t be afraid of the tests of your faith that you may test. Whether it is being around coworkers who test your ethics, family members who test your patience, or a culture that tests your values, the simple truth is that God has given you the strength to persevere. And when you persevere, you will find that the next time you face a similar trial, you will be able to persevere even more.
Yesterday we discussed that one of the reasons for our trials is so we can identify with Christ. Today we will talk about the reason mentioned in James: the development of perseverance.
Perseverance doesn’t come naturally in our world. We live in a fast food, instant message, oil change in 10 minutes or less culture. In the last few years, we have seen the beginning of the transition from scheduled TV shows to on demand programming. We don’t want to wait for anything. Yet we have a God who seems to refuse to give us what we want right away. That doesn’t just go for stuff. It also goes for character.
The simple truth is that trials can wind up being the greatest blessing. This is especially true with the ‘testing of our faith’ that James talks about. As much as I love being surrounded by Christians, the simple truth is that I’m not tested as much when I’m not around people in the world. We must guard ourselves from staying in our ‘holy huddles’ just as much as we should guard ourselves from being influenced by the world.
Don’t be afraid of the tests of your faith that you may test. Whether it is being around coworkers who test your ethics, family members who test your patience, or a culture that tests your values, the simple truth is that God has given you the strength to persevere. And when you persevere, you will find that the next time you face a similar trial, you will be able to persevere even more.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Identifying with Jesus
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” –James 1:2-3
Let’s face it. None of us really enjoy pain. Okay, maybe there are a few sick people who do enjoy it temporarily. I tend to remember a few tough guy contests some friends and I had in college, but that was temporary and we could quit at any time.
Whether its physical or emotional pain, the simple truth is that it hurts. It is tough to see anything good in it, and yet James tells us to “Consider it pure joy when we face trials?” Maybe I’m leaping a bit here to equate trials and pain, but I think we’d agree that most trials at the very least include pain. So what good comes of trials? Over the next few devotionals, I’ll look at some supporting Scriptures that show us the value.
The first value is quite simple: When we face trials, we identify with Jesus. Hebrews 12:2-3 (NIV) says:
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Jesus perfected our faith through the cross, which would have not only been physical pain, but also emotional pain (shame), and certainly spiritual pain (separation from God) as well. When we face our trials, we know that Jesus walked in a world full of trials and pain as well. He was not immune from suffering, but rather embraced it so that we may find God’s grace.
In your time of trial, remember that God understands your pain. He went before us to the cross so that we would have strength to carry our crosses daily.
Let’s face it. None of us really enjoy pain. Okay, maybe there are a few sick people who do enjoy it temporarily. I tend to remember a few tough guy contests some friends and I had in college, but that was temporary and we could quit at any time.
Whether its physical or emotional pain, the simple truth is that it hurts. It is tough to see anything good in it, and yet James tells us to “Consider it pure joy when we face trials?” Maybe I’m leaping a bit here to equate trials and pain, but I think we’d agree that most trials at the very least include pain. So what good comes of trials? Over the next few devotionals, I’ll look at some supporting Scriptures that show us the value.
The first value is quite simple: When we face trials, we identify with Jesus. Hebrews 12:2-3 (NIV) says:
“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Jesus perfected our faith through the cross, which would have not only been physical pain, but also emotional pain (shame), and certainly spiritual pain (separation from God) as well. When we face our trials, we know that Jesus walked in a world full of trials and pain as well. He was not immune from suffering, but rather embraced it so that we may find God’s grace.
In your time of trial, remember that God understands your pain. He went before us to the cross so that we would have strength to carry our crosses daily.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Scattered
“To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations” –James 1:1
One of the toughest times in a person’s life is when they have to move. There are emotional connections to houses, to friends, and most importantly, to family. I have been blessed to not have to move much, but I know that Kristen and I have watched many close friends move away. The simple truth is that most of us will move many times throughout our adult lives.
As tough as it is to move, it is even tougher when a person is forced to move. This is the situation that the early Christians that James wrote to were in. Many of them were the early believers we read about in the book of Acts. As a result of the persecution that they were facing in Jerusalem, they were forced from their homes and their families. Many of them had roots there that would have run several centuries deep.
Let’s keep in mind that this was not a transient culture they were living in. Their idea of a U-Haul would have eaten straw and left an exhaust that you wouldn’t have wanted to step in. They couldn’t exactly put in for a transfer within their family microbusiness. They had to start from scratch.
Knowing the positions they were in, James brings up some very comforting language by reminding them that they were a part of a holy family. As Jews they would have remembered this language from the Old Testament. They would have remembered the stories of the past how God brought his people out of rough times, and it would encourage them that He would do it again. It would remind them that no matter how bad the persecution would get, they were still God’s people.
Though the trials we face today may not seem as harsh, the simple truth is that they are still trials, and God is still God. No matter how scattered we may get, we are still a part of a holy family. And no matter what we face, we believe whole-heartedly that Jesus will draw us together once again.
One of the toughest times in a person’s life is when they have to move. There are emotional connections to houses, to friends, and most importantly, to family. I have been blessed to not have to move much, but I know that Kristen and I have watched many close friends move away. The simple truth is that most of us will move many times throughout our adult lives.
As tough as it is to move, it is even tougher when a person is forced to move. This is the situation that the early Christians that James wrote to were in. Many of them were the early believers we read about in the book of Acts. As a result of the persecution that they were facing in Jerusalem, they were forced from their homes and their families. Many of them had roots there that would have run several centuries deep.
Let’s keep in mind that this was not a transient culture they were living in. Their idea of a U-Haul would have eaten straw and left an exhaust that you wouldn’t have wanted to step in. They couldn’t exactly put in for a transfer within their family microbusiness. They had to start from scratch.
Knowing the positions they were in, James brings up some very comforting language by reminding them that they were a part of a holy family. As Jews they would have remembered this language from the Old Testament. They would have remembered the stories of the past how God brought his people out of rough times, and it would encourage them that He would do it again. It would remind them that no matter how bad the persecution would get, they were still God’s people.
Though the trials we face today may not seem as harsh, the simple truth is that they are still trials, and God is still God. No matter how scattered we may get, we are still a part of a holy family. And no matter what we face, we believe whole-heartedly that Jesus will draw us together once again.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Leadership from the Towel Up
“James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ . . .” –James 1:1
Leadership in our world today most often comes from the top down. It is all about power and titles. I know that one of my greatest temptations in life is to get a bigger title or to have more earthly power, or simply to abuse the power that God has entrusted to me.
What is interesting about the book of James is that the author is the brother (technically half-brother) of Jesus. Now that is a title worth having! However, when he writes to these followers of Jesus who are scattered throughout the region, he describes himself as a “bond servant.” Not “James, the brother of Jesus.” Not “James, leader of the early church.” Simply a bond-servant of God. John MacArthr says:
“By taking that title, James numbered himself with those honored not for who they were, but whom they served—the living God.”
James understood that his leadership was not about himself. Rather it was about serving God and others. It was not a top down kind of leadership. Rather, following in the example of his brother, Jesus, it was a towel up kind of leadership.
Who has God put in your path for you to serve through leadership?
Quote from The MacArthur New Testament Commentary: James, by John MacArthur.
Leadership in our world today most often comes from the top down. It is all about power and titles. I know that one of my greatest temptations in life is to get a bigger title or to have more earthly power, or simply to abuse the power that God has entrusted to me.
What is interesting about the book of James is that the author is the brother (technically half-brother) of Jesus. Now that is a title worth having! However, when he writes to these followers of Jesus who are scattered throughout the region, he describes himself as a “bond servant.” Not “James, the brother of Jesus.” Not “James, leader of the early church.” Simply a bond-servant of God. John MacArthr says:
“By taking that title, James numbered himself with those honored not for who they were, but whom they served—the living God.”
James understood that his leadership was not about himself. Rather it was about serving God and others. It was not a top down kind of leadership. Rather, following in the example of his brother, Jesus, it was a towel up kind of leadership.
Who has God put in your path for you to serve through leadership?
Quote from The MacArthur New Testament Commentary: James, by John MacArthur.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
