Week 50c--James

Hey look! A letter NOT from Paul!

When I was in 6th grade, I memorized the 1st chapter of James for Bible class. I still remember most of it. There are powerful words and themes in this letter. Check it out...

James was written by one of the disciples (not the James killed by Herod, but the other James.) This letter is also different from Paul’s in that it is not directed at a specific person or church, but rather “the twelve tribes which are dispersed abroad” (1:1).

The entire book of James is full of instructions on how to live a godly life. He begins by telling the Jewish Christians to find joy in times of trial and temptation, for only by this fire are we perfected.

James also instructs believers to act on their faith--do the word, don’t just hear it (1:22). What does this look like? Well, “Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world” (1:27).

James writes on the importance on treating people equally, then moves on to an important discussion of faith and works. Faith is important. We cannot be saved without faith. That is abundantly clear. But how does the world know we have faith? By our fruit. By our actions. By our works. Jesus said this, in the parable of sheep and goats. James asks, “If someone is cold and hungry, and you pat them on the back and say ‘God bless you!’ what good is that? Tell them ‘God bless you’ and give them a blanket and a sandwich!” Again, works do not save you. I don’t write to earn my way into heaven. But we must live a life of obedience. That has also always been clear. James sums it up this way: “Faith, without works, is dead” (2:26).

Another important theme in the letter from James is the tongue, which he calls “a restless evil and full of deadly poison” (3:8). There is sadly no solution to this--it seems “no one can tame the tongue.” We must watch what comes from our mouth, so carefully. But oh, it is so hard...

James next speaks of attitude--are you proud or humble? Are you a friend of God or a friend of the world? You must choose sides--and then bend your will constantly, even daily, to the will of God.

James wraps his letter up with words on the power of prayer. He gives the example of Elijah praying for drought and then for rain (3 1/2 years later) showing that “the effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much” (5:16). I’m sure James meant women too--some of the most powerful pray-ers I know are women.

Unlike Paul, James does not end with a blessing of grace and peace. Still, there is a lot to think on--and act on--in this short letter.