I've been reading through the book of James lately, and there's so much happening in the Scripture and in my life related to this. I hope this book provides as much enlightenment for you as it does for me.
I've broken the book down into 11 sections according to subheadings in my Bible, and I've broken several of those down into subsections with my own titles. I read a NIV Life Application Bible, which is what the excerpts will come from. I will often refer to the footnotes in my Bible, as well.
James 1:1-18
Trials and Temptations
1:2-8 Persevere Through Trials
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. 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.
We are supposed to take joy in our trials and suffering, because it builds perseverance. It also helps us grow in faith, if we let it. I struggle with this. I know it's true, because the hardest times in my life are when I've grown the most. But there are times I get mad at God for letting bad things happen, especially to my friends. I was once told that it's okay to get mad at God - God can handle it. He can handle your anger, and he'll forgive you no matter what when you ask for it.
1:9-11 Humble Circumstances
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.
There are parts of this I struggled with, particularly about the rich taking "pride in his low position." I understand how the rich have a "low position" in the eyes of God - God is biased towards the poor. It was once explained to me that he has the attitude of, "Well, if you don't take care of them, I will." God loves the humble. However, why are the rich told to take pride in their low position? Shouldn't they strive to make God proud by humbling themselves like the poor?
What I try to gather from this passage is this - be grateful for what you have, and help those who are less fortunate than you. Humble yourself before God. Though I am far from wealthy in our western society (poor college kid, sometimes struggling to pay bills), I know I am extremely well off compared to the genuinely impoverished, and sometimes this really bothers me. I can't afford to tithe on a regular basis, or give much funds to charity. Yet I am so fortunate. I finally came to realize that there are other ways to take care of the poor and honor God than just financially. Time is very valuable to me. As a student and future educator, I have a very intense school and work schedule that demands so much energy. There are times when there simply aren't enough hours in the day to do everything I need to. However, I still spend a designated amount (though sometimes small) completely devoted to God - whether it's in prayer, Bible devotions, this blog, or leading a small Bible study. There are more ways to serve God than with just our money.
1:12-18 Temptation
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.
When tempted, no one should say, God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, or does he tempt anyone; but 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.
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. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.
It says in the footnotes of my Bible that God tests us; he does not tempt us. This is a very valuable piece of information that we must remember. I know I sometimes pray to God to take a temptation away from me. Instead, I should pray that he help me fight the temptation. "God allows Satan to tempt people...in order to refine their faith and to help them grow in their dependence on Christ. We can resist the temptation to sin by turning to God for strength and choosing to obey his Word." I wish there wasn't temptation in my life - that would make everything so much easier. Yet, it's still there, and I must fight it on a regular basis.
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