[:en]SCRIPTURE: JAMES 1
“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)
“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)
“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)
“If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless” (James 1:26)
This book was written by James, the half brother of Jesus about AD50. He addressed it to the Jewish Christians who were scattered in Jerusalem because of persecution. He emphasized on practising the faith toward perfection and spiritual maturity.
The Christians were facing many kinds of trials. James encouraged them to rejoice because trials can develop Christian faith and perseverance. It leads to the perfection of Christian character into deeper maturity in Christ. He urged them to seek wisdom from God without doubting. A double-minded person is unstable and cannot withstand trials. James pointed out that trials could benefit both the rich and the poor. To the rich, trials made them realize not to trust in wealth. To the poor, trials reminded them that they were rich in the Lord. Those who persevere under trial victoriously will receive the crown of life.
There are distinction between trials and temptation. Trials are from God while temptations are from Satan. When trials come, Christians should not complain. Instead, they should be swift to listen to His Word and trust in God. When temptations ones, no one should say God is tempting me for temptation to sin arise from our own evil nature. The birth of sin comes from lust from within. It conceives and gives birth to sin. And full grown sin gives birth to death. (vs. 13-15)
He reminded the believers that every good and perfect gift comes from the Father in heaven. God gives His Word of truth for us to become the firstfruits of His creatures.
LISTENING AND DOING:
Christians should be quick to listen to God’s Word , slow to speak and slow to become angry. This is in reference to the Parable of the Sower in which the heart is compared to soil and the Word to seed. To make the plant grow, weeds must be pulled out. To sustain the trials, believers must confess their sins and get rid of all moral filth. The soil of the heart must be prepared to receive His Word.
James compared the Word to a mirror. The mirror shows our outward appearance while the word reveals our inward thoughts. A person who merely hears the Word but does not obey it is like a man who glances into the mirror, see his dirty face and goes away without doing anything about it. Therefore, it is useless only to read the Bible without obeying it. Obedience to His Word gives freedom and produce spiritual liberty with God’s blessings.
If any man considers himself to be religious, he should prove it by the life he lives. He should control his tongue, care for the ophans and widows and have a clean heart.
LESSON:
The testing of our faith develops perseverance to make us become mature Chrisians. If we lack wisdom, seek it from the Lord will faith and without doubt. For every good and perfect gift comes from the Father.
When trial comes, we should not complain. Instead, obey His Word and fully trust Him. The marks of a true religion are: controlled tongue, upright thoughts, tamed temper, sacrifical service and a clean heart.
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