James 3:1-12
Taming the Tongue
3:1-2 Teachers
Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.
Today, I finished my last test in my Block 1 of education courses. For the past six weeks, I've been going to school 8am-4pm every day to take Core Teaching Skills, Exceptional Students in Secondary Education, and Educational Psychology. It has been an intense, enlightening, enriching experience. Of course, one of the main topics of discussion was how teachers should act with students, colleagues, parents, and administrators, as well as what qualities an effective teacher possesses. Of course, an effective teacher should be professional at all times, knowing the difference between colleague and friend, as well as student and friend. A teacher is kind, caring, has a serving attitude, can discipline, fun, and loving. Not everyone is made to be a teacher, which is why we're held to such high standards, as we should be. We are often the only positive model in a child's life. These two verses are also very true for anyone who teaches the Bible. We must watch our words and what we teach, because often one negative comment will stick much more firmly than a thousand positive comments.
3:3-8 Tongue as Fire
When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue is also a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
This passage is extremely harsh, yet so true. I've experienced hurt from words and I know I've hurt others with my words. I've posted before about my struggle with gossip and negatively. Not only is it a problem in the music field, but I've also found that teachers can be guilty of it, too. Sometimes, it's just best to leave the circle and not get involved. Other times, though, you have to be the one to shut it down and tell them to stop. Neither is easy, but both must be done.
3:9-12 Fresh Water and Salt
With the tongue we praise our Lord and father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring fresh water.
As difficult as it is, I think it's possible for someone to only speak positively, along with constructive criticism. It's a challenging task. Can you go a whole day without saying anything bad about anyone or anything?
Friday, June 28, 2013
Saturday, June 22, 2013
James 2, Faith and Deeds
James 2:14-26
Faith and Deeds
What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
But some will say, "You have faith; I have deeds."
Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. You believe that there is one god. Good! Even the demons believe that - and shudder.
You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that this faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed god, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called God's friend. You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.
It is very important to me to show my faith through what I do and say, even when I am not directly speaking about God. I try my best to show his light at school, when I teach, in band, at work, and in everything else I do.
One thing our team leader in Swaziland told us was that we were being Jesus to these kids for the week. I was shocked when I first heard the words leave his mouth. That's really bold, isn't it? To claim to be the Messiah? But as the time went on and I interacted with the kids, I began to see what Scott meant. We were being the physical hands and feet of Jesus - serving and loving the Swazis the way he would have if he were on earth right now. We were showing them ultimate respect and love by obeying what God was telling us to do.
When people see me, I don't want them to see Rachel. I want them to see God's light shown through me. They may not remember me or my name or maybe even what I did, but I want them to remember Christ and what he did for us.
Faith and Deeds
What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
But some will say, "You have faith; I have deeds."
Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. You believe that there is one god. Good! Even the demons believe that - and shudder.
You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? You see that this faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed god, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called God's friend. You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone.
It is very important to me to show my faith through what I do and say, even when I am not directly speaking about God. I try my best to show his light at school, when I teach, in band, at work, and in everything else I do.
One thing our team leader in Swaziland told us was that we were being Jesus to these kids for the week. I was shocked when I first heard the words leave his mouth. That's really bold, isn't it? To claim to be the Messiah? But as the time went on and I interacted with the kids, I began to see what Scott meant. We were being the physical hands and feet of Jesus - serving and loving the Swazis the way he would have if he were on earth right now. We were showing them ultimate respect and love by obeying what God was telling us to do.
When people see me, I don't want them to see Rachel. I want them to see God's light shown through me. They may not remember me or my name or maybe even what I did, but I want them to remember Christ and what he did for us.
Friday, June 14, 2013
James 2, Favoritism Forbidden
James 2:1-13
Favoritism Forbidden
2:1-7 Rich vs. Poor
My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, "here's a good seat for you," but say to the poor man, "You stand there" or "Sit on the floor by my feet," have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? But you have insulted the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? Are they not the ones who are slandering the noble name of him to whom you belong?
I was once told that God shows favoritism and bias towards the poor. That completely blew my mind. We tend to think (or, at least in the environment I grew up) that God loves everyone equally and unconditionally. But it's very evident throughout Scripture that God does show at least some level of preference towards the poor. I think part of that is because they are so grateful for everything they have, and they take very little for granted, especially God's love and blessings. This passage says we aren't to show favoritism towards the rich - but are we to show favoritism towards the poor?
I was blessed to witness the paradox of poor in material, yet rich in faith, in person when I went to Swaziland last year. That whole experience was completely life-changing, and of course I could talk about it for days, but I'll save you from boredom. Anyway, it was amazing to spend time with the Swazis, who have virtually nothing compared to a great majority of our western society, but yet have the greatest, deepest, purest faith of anyone I have ever met. With their simple lives, they don't have the distractions we have every day here (television, media, extravagant shops, even school and work to an extent) to keep them from thinking about and acting out their faith. It was a beautiful paradox to witness, and I wish everyone could spend time in a culture like that.
2:8-11 Whole Scripture
If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. For he who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not murder." If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.
Can you imagine if our society was like this? "If you steal a candy bar, or jaywalk, you will be considered the same as a murder!" There would definitely be an improvement in pedestrian behavior! This passage does bother me a little, because there are certain parts of Scripture I don't necessarily agree with - does that make me a bad Christian? Am I holding the values of man above God? All I know is that I am trying to glorify God with everything I do, and he is always at the forefront of my intentions - even when I don't always agree with what is said in Paul's letters.
2:12-13 Judgement
Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgement without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgement!
It's interesting thinking about "the law that gives freedom." Doesn't law take away freedoms? The freedom Paul writes about is eternal life with Christ. That is the ultimate freedom - freedom from death. We are free and forgiven of our sins through Christ's death. That doesn't mean we can run around acting like heathens - we still have to keep a close watch on our words an actions so we can obey God fully. "The law is no longer an external set of rules, but it is a 'law that gives freedom' - one we joyfully and willingly carry out, because we love God and because we have the power of his Holy Spirit to carry it out." I am joyful and willing to carry out the law!
Favoritism Forbidden
2:1-7 Rich vs. Poor
My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, "here's a good seat for you," but say to the poor man, "You stand there" or "Sit on the floor by my feet," have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? But you have insulted the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? Are they not the ones who are slandering the noble name of him to whom you belong?
I was once told that God shows favoritism and bias towards the poor. That completely blew my mind. We tend to think (or, at least in the environment I grew up) that God loves everyone equally and unconditionally. But it's very evident throughout Scripture that God does show at least some level of preference towards the poor. I think part of that is because they are so grateful for everything they have, and they take very little for granted, especially God's love and blessings. This passage says we aren't to show favoritism towards the rich - but are we to show favoritism towards the poor?
I was blessed to witness the paradox of poor in material, yet rich in faith, in person when I went to Swaziland last year. That whole experience was completely life-changing, and of course I could talk about it for days, but I'll save you from boredom. Anyway, it was amazing to spend time with the Swazis, who have virtually nothing compared to a great majority of our western society, but yet have the greatest, deepest, purest faith of anyone I have ever met. With their simple lives, they don't have the distractions we have every day here (television, media, extravagant shops, even school and work to an extent) to keep them from thinking about and acting out their faith. It was a beautiful paradox to witness, and I wish everyone could spend time in a culture like that.
2:8-11 Whole Scripture
If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. For he who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not murder." If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.
Can you imagine if our society was like this? "If you steal a candy bar, or jaywalk, you will be considered the same as a murder!" There would definitely be an improvement in pedestrian behavior! This passage does bother me a little, because there are certain parts of Scripture I don't necessarily agree with - does that make me a bad Christian? Am I holding the values of man above God? All I know is that I am trying to glorify God with everything I do, and he is always at the forefront of my intentions - even when I don't always agree with what is said in Paul's letters.
2:12-13 Judgement
Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgement without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgement!
It's interesting thinking about "the law that gives freedom." Doesn't law take away freedoms? The freedom Paul writes about is eternal life with Christ. That is the ultimate freedom - freedom from death. We are free and forgiven of our sins through Christ's death. That doesn't mean we can run around acting like heathens - we still have to keep a close watch on our words an actions so we can obey God fully. "The law is no longer an external set of rules, but it is a 'law that gives freedom' - one we joyfully and willingly carry out, because we love God and because we have the power of his Holy Spirit to carry it out." I am joyful and willing to carry out the law!
Friday, June 7, 2013
James 1, Listening and Doing
James 1:19-27
Listening and Doing
1:19-21 Anger
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.
One thing I have been struggling with (over the past year, but particularly in the last few weeks) is the competitiveness and negativity within my field of music education. There are so many tight, harmful gossip circles and it's so easy to get sucked into the negative atmosphere. I try to be a light for God's love in the darkness, but it's often easier (and ever so tempting) to just join the gossip. I've been starting to pray more for guidance through this. Should I leave those social circles altogether (which is hard, because I spend so many hours with these people ever day, and I consider many of them to be my close friends), or do I stay with them in an effort to shut down the hate groups and show God's love?
1:22-25 Don't Just Listen - Do
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 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. 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.
I know so many who are guilty of this, including myself. I think that's something Christians often get in trouble for, too. We have this great Holy Book that shows us how to live and gives us great life with Christ, but it doesn't do any good if we just ignore it, or forget what it says after Sunday morning. I do my devotions every morning when I get up for school (around 6:30). Sometimes, I'm only half awake, even with the coffee, and I barely remember what I read after hours of lectures and tests and avoiding gossip. I want to know the Word better and be able to accurately recite passages and wisdom from its depth of Truth. I don't want to just read every day - I want to be a walking visual of what's inside.
1:26-27 Basic Religion
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
Wow. Just wow. These two verses really sum up everything I want to stand for in my faith, my teaching, and my everyday life (which usually involves faith and teaching). Keeping a "tight rein" on the tongue goes back to the gossip theme for the day/month/year. According to my Bible's footnotes, "To keep ourselves from being polluted by the world, we must commit ourselves to Christ's ethical and moral system, not the world's. We are not to adapt to the world's value system, which is based on money, power, and pleasure. True faith means nothing if we are contaminated with such values." Couldn't have said it better myself.
Listening and Doing
1:19-21 Anger
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.
One thing I have been struggling with (over the past year, but particularly in the last few weeks) is the competitiveness and negativity within my field of music education. There are so many tight, harmful gossip circles and it's so easy to get sucked into the negative atmosphere. I try to be a light for God's love in the darkness, but it's often easier (and ever so tempting) to just join the gossip. I've been starting to pray more for guidance through this. Should I leave those social circles altogether (which is hard, because I spend so many hours with these people ever day, and I consider many of them to be my close friends), or do I stay with them in an effort to shut down the hate groups and show God's love?
1:22-25 Don't Just Listen - Do
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 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. 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.
I know so many who are guilty of this, including myself. I think that's something Christians often get in trouble for, too. We have this great Holy Book that shows us how to live and gives us great life with Christ, but it doesn't do any good if we just ignore it, or forget what it says after Sunday morning. I do my devotions every morning when I get up for school (around 6:30). Sometimes, I'm only half awake, even with the coffee, and I barely remember what I read after hours of lectures and tests and avoiding gossip. I want to know the Word better and be able to accurately recite passages and wisdom from its depth of Truth. I don't want to just read every day - I want to be a walking visual of what's inside.
1:26-27 Basic Religion
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
Wow. Just wow. These two verses really sum up everything I want to stand for in my faith, my teaching, and my everyday life (which usually involves faith and teaching). Keeping a "tight rein" on the tongue goes back to the gossip theme for the day/month/year. According to my Bible's footnotes, "To keep ourselves from being polluted by the world, we must commit ourselves to Christ's ethical and moral system, not the world's. We are not to adapt to the world's value system, which is based on money, power, and pleasure. True faith means nothing if we are contaminated with such values." Couldn't have said it better myself.
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