"Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God."
Anger is a prevalent issue for men. Christian counselor, Dr. Gary Rosberg, argues that anger is the predominant emotion men filter their feelings and emotions through. Because men struggle to articulate how they're feeling, anger is the tool of choice to convey how they are feeling even though it may be sadness, frustration, disappointment, etc, that they are actually feeling, not anger.
The more men I've discussed this with over the years, the more confidant I am that Dr. Rosberg's assessment is spot on. They identify with the communication struggle to articulate their emotions that manifests itself in anger. But is that the only issue men need to address?
According to James, anger originates from a quick tongue and a closed ear. It does not yield to the other person speaking. Rather, it protects self by dominating the conversation to gain control. I find that when I get defensive over an accusation, whether true or false, I begin plotting my rebuttal rather than listening to understand. Or when I feel my opinion is not being heard, I raise my volume or cut off the other person from speaking (especially my wife), to no avail. Or when I react versus respond and do not think before I speak but throw stones to deflect conviction, anger rises to the surface.
Now of course there is such a thing as righteous anger that can be justified, but James appears to be concerned with the non-righteous variety that we're much more affluent in. We do have a choice though and self-control is available through the Spirit 24/7, so we can improve mightily in this area without excuse. I also firmly believe we can learn an infinite amount of wisdom from our wives who articulate feelings better than we do. The question is: Are we humble enough to receive rebuke and correction in this area?
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
Monday, July 13, 2015
James 1:18 (Devotion)
"Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures."
As much as we struggle with choices on a daily basis, it is beyond comprehension knowing our sins, struggles, insecurities and failures, that without fail, God chose to have a relationship with us. And not just any relationship, but the most intimate relationship we could ever have (moreso than with our wives, children, family members or friends). He sets us apart in His creation, and that is a privilege that we ought never take lightly for it was bought with a price by the shed blood of Jesus.
As we've studied previously, God is true, unwavering and constant. His Word is absolute for all eternity and trustworthy, inspired by the Spirit of truth so that we would be able to share in His wisdom and grow in our personal relationship with Him. But more importantly, His will is not contingent upon man's response. He does not hold back His favor but shares it graciously so that we would not be deceived or tempted to sway from the shelter of His Word. Therefore, we are without excuse in knowing His true character.
Yet I find my heart at times almost drifting about this truth. Because I don't stop to intentionally reflect upon it, in my flesh, I tend to take it for granted...and I worry my brothers in Christ share the same plight. So how do we break the monotony? I believe we can encourage one another of this truth when trials of life are overwhelming, such as reminding our brothers in Christ that God set us apart as firstfruits of His creation for a specific purpose helps remind the heart that this life is not void of meaning. Or because God chose to love us of His own will according to the truth of His Word, the stronghold of loneliness and isolation that Satan plagues us with is destroyed. Bottom-line: Our hearts need reminders, and it is our obligation as Christ-followers to preach this truth so we know who God is, lest we're deceived.
As much as we struggle with choices on a daily basis, it is beyond comprehension knowing our sins, struggles, insecurities and failures, that without fail, God chose to have a relationship with us. And not just any relationship, but the most intimate relationship we could ever have (moreso than with our wives, children, family members or friends). He sets us apart in His creation, and that is a privilege that we ought never take lightly for it was bought with a price by the shed blood of Jesus.
As we've studied previously, God is true, unwavering and constant. His Word is absolute for all eternity and trustworthy, inspired by the Spirit of truth so that we would be able to share in His wisdom and grow in our personal relationship with Him. But more importantly, His will is not contingent upon man's response. He does not hold back His favor but shares it graciously so that we would not be deceived or tempted to sway from the shelter of His Word. Therefore, we are without excuse in knowing His true character.
Yet I find my heart at times almost drifting about this truth. Because I don't stop to intentionally reflect upon it, in my flesh, I tend to take it for granted...and I worry my brothers in Christ share the same plight. So how do we break the monotony? I believe we can encourage one another of this truth when trials of life are overwhelming, such as reminding our brothers in Christ that God set us apart as firstfruits of His creation for a specific purpose helps remind the heart that this life is not void of meaning. Or because God chose to love us of His own will according to the truth of His Word, the stronghold of loneliness and isolation that Satan plagues us with is destroyed. Bottom-line: Our hearts need reminders, and it is our obligation as Christ-followers to preach this truth so we know who God is, lest we're deceived.
Sunday, July 12, 2015
James 1:17 (Devotion)
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change."
There is great peace knowing God is full control, sovereign and constant. Those who reject God as creator and eternal judge stake no value in any supreme being for they declare themselves masters of their own fate. And while it is true that due to free-will we choose to accept God for who He is or reject Him, the truth remains for the Christ-follower that God's existence in no way is dependant on man.
James reinforces to the church that God can be trusted because He never changes. Though seasons come and go, He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. There is no hidden shadow to His character because He is love and law simultaneously. He never contradicts Himself within the pages of Scripture because it is His Word, not simply the word of man. And He is the author and source of all good within the world for all mankind.
In context with verse 16, James certainly clarifies any confusion on who we believe God to be so as not to be deceived. But I believe when we examine our hearts we quickly realize that as Christians, not everything goes the way we think. Sometimes life brings tough trials and our flesh questions whether God is good. Yet what we think and what truly is are two different issues. We cannot measure goodness solely on our finite emotion and experience. Rather, we must accept that our Father in heaven bestows good and perfect gifts that are immeasurable for us to comprehend. And in truth, the most perfect gifts are those that do not come so easily but are more appreciated because of the trials we endure.
There is great peace knowing God is full control, sovereign and constant. Those who reject God as creator and eternal judge stake no value in any supreme being for they declare themselves masters of their own fate. And while it is true that due to free-will we choose to accept God for who He is or reject Him, the truth remains for the Christ-follower that God's existence in no way is dependant on man.
James reinforces to the church that God can be trusted because He never changes. Though seasons come and go, He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. There is no hidden shadow to His character because He is love and law simultaneously. He never contradicts Himself within the pages of Scripture because it is His Word, not simply the word of man. And He is the author and source of all good within the world for all mankind.
In context with verse 16, James certainly clarifies any confusion on who we believe God to be so as not to be deceived. But I believe when we examine our hearts we quickly realize that as Christians, not everything goes the way we think. Sometimes life brings tough trials and our flesh questions whether God is good. Yet what we think and what truly is are two different issues. We cannot measure goodness solely on our finite emotion and experience. Rather, we must accept that our Father in heaven bestows good and perfect gifts that are immeasurable for us to comprehend. And in truth, the most perfect gifts are those that do not come so easily but are more appreciated because of the trials we endure.
Saturday, July 11, 2015
James 1:16 (Devotion)
"Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers."
It is easy sometimes to blow by a verse of Scripture. It's almost as if the simplicity of truth is so obvious that there is no need to really comment or spend any time reflecting. Verse 16 falls into that category.
I almost lumped verses 16-18 together for a devotion but chose to rest on the truth James intended when he stated these 7 powerful words. Why? Because when I look into my own heart, at the body of Christ, and the culture at large, I see rampant deception and it is catastrophic.
Deception is a popular topic throughout Scripture. Many verses give direct commands not to deceive yourself or let others deceive you. Simply do a Bible search on the various forms of the word and you will find real-life examples and see how serious God is on the topic. Yet I wonder, "How often we think about it?" Do we think more highly of ourselves than we ought? Are we easily swayed by secular thoughts that contradict Scripture? Do we realize and recognize the spiritual warfare surrounding us on a daily basis? Are we a stumbling block to others by our actions, attitudes and behaviors without realizing it?
The point is to slam on the brakes and do a self-examination, because if we blow by verse 16, we lose sight of profound wisdom that is greater than we can fathom. The call is one of love from James to his beloved brothers in Christ and the church at large that none of us would be deceived nor deceive others from the treasure of God's Word that brings light and life to a dark world in desperate need of absolute truth. But that truth will never be fully realized if we do not take it as seriously as the text suggests and recognize our self-deception first. Therefore I pray that the Spirit of truth would illuminate our hearts and cast away shadows that like cancer are eating away at our personal convictions regarding sin and truth, both in our own lives and the lives of those around us.
It is easy sometimes to blow by a verse of Scripture. It's almost as if the simplicity of truth is so obvious that there is no need to really comment or spend any time reflecting. Verse 16 falls into that category.
I almost lumped verses 16-18 together for a devotion but chose to rest on the truth James intended when he stated these 7 powerful words. Why? Because when I look into my own heart, at the body of Christ, and the culture at large, I see rampant deception and it is catastrophic.
Deception is a popular topic throughout Scripture. Many verses give direct commands not to deceive yourself or let others deceive you. Simply do a Bible search on the various forms of the word and you will find real-life examples and see how serious God is on the topic. Yet I wonder, "How often we think about it?" Do we think more highly of ourselves than we ought? Are we easily swayed by secular thoughts that contradict Scripture? Do we realize and recognize the spiritual warfare surrounding us on a daily basis? Are we a stumbling block to others by our actions, attitudes and behaviors without realizing it?
The point is to slam on the brakes and do a self-examination, because if we blow by verse 16, we lose sight of profound wisdom that is greater than we can fathom. The call is one of love from James to his beloved brothers in Christ and the church at large that none of us would be deceived nor deceive others from the treasure of God's Word that brings light and life to a dark world in desperate need of absolute truth. But that truth will never be fully realized if we do not take it as seriously as the text suggests and recognize our self-deception first. Therefore I pray that the Spirit of truth would illuminate our hearts and cast away shadows that like cancer are eating away at our personal convictions regarding sin and truth, both in our own lives and the lives of those around us.
Friday, July 10, 2015
James 1:14-15 (Devotion)
"But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death."
I've always felt this passage of Scripture was a tough pill to swallow not because I disagreed with it, but that it placed a mirror before my heart. At the core, no man wants to admit he chose to sin. We would rather say we fell into temptation as if we tripped over a bump in the road, or the devil made us do it, or we were provoked and led astray by someone else (thus blame-shifting). Taking ownership over our inability to resist our fleshly desires is our biggest obstacle to overcoming pride, yet it is the last straw we choose when conviction comes.
The gift of the Holy Spirit cannot be undervalued in this process. The Spirit's prompting is literally our life-saving flotation device in the ocean of sin, yet we feel compelled to tread water on our own instead. Why? I believe the answer lies somewhere between being nieve and pride that makes us spiritually blind to our own blindness. Irregardless, the truth remains that we are the source of our deepest anguish when temptations comes.
The ESV Study Bible paints a perfect picture-definition of lured and enticed: "A fishing metaphor for drawing prey away from shelter in order to trap them with a deadly hook." How often do we realize that OUR OWN fleshly desires draw us away from our safe haven in Christ, like a sea lion caught in the jaws if a killer whale? We certainly stretch our limits to see where the sin boundaries are in our lives, but we completely lose sight that desire leads to sin and death in the blink of an eye.
Thankfully, God understood our dilemma and provided both a temporary way of escape via free-will to choose righteousness over sin in the moment, and an eternal way of escape that bought our freedom unto salvation. I simply pray that we all realize the gift we have been given BEFORE temptation arises.
I've always felt this passage of Scripture was a tough pill to swallow not because I disagreed with it, but that it placed a mirror before my heart. At the core, no man wants to admit he chose to sin. We would rather say we fell into temptation as if we tripped over a bump in the road, or the devil made us do it, or we were provoked and led astray by someone else (thus blame-shifting). Taking ownership over our inability to resist our fleshly desires is our biggest obstacle to overcoming pride, yet it is the last straw we choose when conviction comes.
The gift of the Holy Spirit cannot be undervalued in this process. The Spirit's prompting is literally our life-saving flotation device in the ocean of sin, yet we feel compelled to tread water on our own instead. Why? I believe the answer lies somewhere between being nieve and pride that makes us spiritually blind to our own blindness. Irregardless, the truth remains that we are the source of our deepest anguish when temptations comes.
The ESV Study Bible paints a perfect picture-definition of lured and enticed: "A fishing metaphor for drawing prey away from shelter in order to trap them with a deadly hook." How often do we realize that OUR OWN fleshly desires draw us away from our safe haven in Christ, like a sea lion caught in the jaws if a killer whale? We certainly stretch our limits to see where the sin boundaries are in our lives, but we completely lose sight that desire leads to sin and death in the blink of an eye.
Thankfully, God understood our dilemma and provided both a temporary way of escape via free-will to choose righteousness over sin in the moment, and an eternal way of escape that bought our freedom unto salvation. I simply pray that we all realize the gift we have been given BEFORE temptation arises.
Thursday, July 9, 2015
James 1:13 (Devotion)
"Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one."
Of all the truths found in Scripture that people (in general) struggle to understand, this message from James would be near the top of the list. Many of those who reject the Gospel echo mass misconfusion around this topic. Their opinions primarily grounded in emotions prove only that who they believe God to be is subject to their experiential construct and not absolute truth. This is essential to acknowledge though, because in truth, many within the church privately believe similar misconfusion. They too filter truth through emotion for validity rather than the Word, and it is a serious issue we cannot gloss over.
Let us be clear in distinguishing trials that God gives to test us versus temptation. A trial is an event designed by God to refine our character, strengthen our faith, and draw us closer to Jesus and His Word. God uses trials as tests to measure the depth of faith we truly maintain as He did for Abraham, Moses, and the nation of Israel. Simply stated, a test reveals the honest, spiritual state of our heart.
In contrast, temptation lures a man into sin. It bends and twists truth to satisfy fleshly desires that elevates self over God. Temptation is never content but increases in deviance and idolatry over time like a downward spiral. Therefore, God would never create or instigate temptation because it would purposefully lure man further away from Himself as it exists in complete opposition to who God is as revealed in His Word.
The key as stated earlier is to separate emotion from truth, which is difficult to apply in certain situations (i.e. death of a loved one, terminal illness, prodigal child, etc). Any of these trials could easily result in temptations to sin where people blame God. The main point James reiterates is that God tests but does not tempt and is in supreme control despite our free will.
Of all the truths found in Scripture that people (in general) struggle to understand, this message from James would be near the top of the list. Many of those who reject the Gospel echo mass misconfusion around this topic. Their opinions primarily grounded in emotions prove only that who they believe God to be is subject to their experiential construct and not absolute truth. This is essential to acknowledge though, because in truth, many within the church privately believe similar misconfusion. They too filter truth through emotion for validity rather than the Word, and it is a serious issue we cannot gloss over.
Let us be clear in distinguishing trials that God gives to test us versus temptation. A trial is an event designed by God to refine our character, strengthen our faith, and draw us closer to Jesus and His Word. God uses trials as tests to measure the depth of faith we truly maintain as He did for Abraham, Moses, and the nation of Israel. Simply stated, a test reveals the honest, spiritual state of our heart.
In contrast, temptation lures a man into sin. It bends and twists truth to satisfy fleshly desires that elevates self over God. Temptation is never content but increases in deviance and idolatry over time like a downward spiral. Therefore, God would never create or instigate temptation because it would purposefully lure man further away from Himself as it exists in complete opposition to who God is as revealed in His Word.
The key as stated earlier is to separate emotion from truth, which is difficult to apply in certain situations (i.e. death of a loved one, terminal illness, prodigal child, etc). Any of these trials could easily result in temptations to sin where people blame God. The main point James reiterates is that God tests but does not tempt and is in supreme control despite our free will.
Tuesday, July 7, 2015
James 1:12 (Devotion)
"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him."
There is a distinct advantage to the Christian faith, one that surpasses secular thinking altogether. It elevates the priority of Scripture and enables a man to reflect upon the blessing James describes as something tangible and worth seeking after. It is counter-cultural, but that is absolutely what James intended to convey when he penned these words.
Living opposite of culture is not an easy task as there are significant risks today for living a public Christian faith. Yet it is our privilege to endure even persecution as a trial that defines and edifies our faith, rather than shakes it or causes us to grow lukewarm and indifferent concerning truth.
Moreover, the trials we face fall under God's sovereign authority, so we could almost read James' admonition as, "Blessed are those who remain under the sovereign authority of God." It is easier for my heart to accept this terminology than "trials" because it reassures me that no matter what I face (trials included), God knows all and is in full control at all times. Therefore I can release all fear and anxiety over the unknown because His love promises me that He has the best in store for me...and that does not presuppose my life will be roses. It may be His will that more thorns than blooms represent my life here on earth, but that is temporary because the eternal crown of life (my salvation in Christ) enables me to endure whatever fiery trials come my way, and that is the true blessing of God.
There is a distinct advantage to the Christian faith, one that surpasses secular thinking altogether. It elevates the priority of Scripture and enables a man to reflect upon the blessing James describes as something tangible and worth seeking after. It is counter-cultural, but that is absolutely what James intended to convey when he penned these words.
Living opposite of culture is not an easy task as there are significant risks today for living a public Christian faith. Yet it is our privilege to endure even persecution as a trial that defines and edifies our faith, rather than shakes it or causes us to grow lukewarm and indifferent concerning truth.
Moreover, the trials we face fall under God's sovereign authority, so we could almost read James' admonition as, "Blessed are those who remain under the sovereign authority of God." It is easier for my heart to accept this terminology than "trials" because it reassures me that no matter what I face (trials included), God knows all and is in full control at all times. Therefore I can release all fear and anxiety over the unknown because His love promises me that He has the best in store for me...and that does not presuppose my life will be roses. It may be His will that more thorns than blooms represent my life here on earth, but that is temporary because the eternal crown of life (my salvation in Christ) enables me to endure whatever fiery trials come my way, and that is the true blessing of God.
Monday, July 6, 2015
James 1:9-11 (Devotion)
"Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits."
There comes a point when a man looks back at his life and takes stock of his mortality. In these moments, he acknowledges the plight he has been dealt by God, whether rich or poor, and reflects upon its advantages and disadvantages. It is a counter-cultural assessment of God's economy where the lowly are exalted and the rich humbled, but one that puts a trial-esque emphasis on God's provision and the impact it has on the human heart.
First, there is nothing wrong with monetary success. James is not condemning those who are financially successful, rather he is emphasizing that perspective is vital. In both cases, whether a man is entrusted with little or an abudance, how he managed the resources God provided speaks to the condition of his heart from an eternal perspective and to whom he attributes his success (himself or God).
Money is an issue that can pull a man into deep waters though when poverty or riches become worldly issues that consume the heart. Therefore, James exhorts the lowly to realize that their life on earth is temporary and eternal riches await those who trust in the Lord, while also exhorting the rich man who has humbled himself to take heart that he realizes his worldly possessions are indeed temporary. Bottom-line: Heart condition is James' focus amidst the trials of life and temptations of the world. However, as men who are providers for our families, the warning to not be consumed by status or success is pivotal too. We cannot gloss over the dangers of losing sight that our jobs are God's provision for our needs, not our identity in life. For as death awaits us all, so too is the responsibility that we must give an account.
There comes a point when a man looks back at his life and takes stock of his mortality. In these moments, he acknowledges the plight he has been dealt by God, whether rich or poor, and reflects upon its advantages and disadvantages. It is a counter-cultural assessment of God's economy where the lowly are exalted and the rich humbled, but one that puts a trial-esque emphasis on God's provision and the impact it has on the human heart.
First, there is nothing wrong with monetary success. James is not condemning those who are financially successful, rather he is emphasizing that perspective is vital. In both cases, whether a man is entrusted with little or an abudance, how he managed the resources God provided speaks to the condition of his heart from an eternal perspective and to whom he attributes his success (himself or God).
Money is an issue that can pull a man into deep waters though when poverty or riches become worldly issues that consume the heart. Therefore, James exhorts the lowly to realize that their life on earth is temporary and eternal riches await those who trust in the Lord, while also exhorting the rich man who has humbled himself to take heart that he realizes his worldly possessions are indeed temporary. Bottom-line: Heart condition is James' focus amidst the trials of life and temptations of the world. However, as men who are providers for our families, the warning to not be consumed by status or success is pivotal too. We cannot gloss over the dangers of losing sight that our jobs are God's provision for our needs, not our identity in life. For as death awaits us all, so too is the responsibility that we must give an account.
Friday, July 3, 2015
James 1:6-8 (Devotion)
"But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways."
Continuing from verse 5, James admonishes that faith is the prerequisite when asking God for wisdom. Faith is "a settled trust and confidence in God based on His character and promises as revealed in Scripture" (ESV Study Bible). So when we ask God for wisdom but do not fully trust that He can and will answer our request according to His timing and sovereignty, we are unstable in our thinking.
James furthers likens a man who doubts to a helpless wave tossed and driven aimlessly on the seas of life, because he trusts in either the world or his own abilities moreso than God. The picture of instability James paints is quite profound, for it reveals that who we believe God to be is foundational to understanding this teaching.
I would venture to guess that those of us who profess Jesus as Lord believe God is good. Yet James in writing to the church calls out a lack of faith issue. Why? If I examine my own heart, I come to realize that silence causes me to doubt at times. When I feel like God is not giving me clear direction, I tend to lean on my own ability or logical understanding based on experiential knowledge rather than Scripture. It is in those moments where I need self-recognition of this pattern and accountability through the body of Christ to break free. For in no way do I desire to be double-minded, supplementing the wisdom of God for the wisdom of the world based on convenience. Rather, I must be patient and believe firmly IN FAITH that God will honor my request for wisdom. For only He can satisfy my desire for wisdom because He is the ultimate source of it.
Continuing from verse 5, James admonishes that faith is the prerequisite when asking God for wisdom. Faith is "a settled trust and confidence in God based on His character and promises as revealed in Scripture" (ESV Study Bible). So when we ask God for wisdom but do not fully trust that He can and will answer our request according to His timing and sovereignty, we are unstable in our thinking.
James furthers likens a man who doubts to a helpless wave tossed and driven aimlessly on the seas of life, because he trusts in either the world or his own abilities moreso than God. The picture of instability James paints is quite profound, for it reveals that who we believe God to be is foundational to understanding this teaching.
I would venture to guess that those of us who profess Jesus as Lord believe God is good. Yet James in writing to the church calls out a lack of faith issue. Why? If I examine my own heart, I come to realize that silence causes me to doubt at times. When I feel like God is not giving me clear direction, I tend to lean on my own ability or logical understanding based on experiential knowledge rather than Scripture. It is in those moments where I need self-recognition of this pattern and accountability through the body of Christ to break free. For in no way do I desire to be double-minded, supplementing the wisdom of God for the wisdom of the world based on convenience. Rather, I must be patient and believe firmly IN FAITH that God will honor my request for wisdom. For only He can satisfy my desire for wisdom because He is the ultimate source of it.
Wednesday, July 1, 2015
James 1:5 (Devotion)
"If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
This next section of James 1 continues the theme of our faith being tested in trials with an emphasis on the role of wisdom. To begin, "wisdom, as in the OT, is a God-given and God-centered discernment regarding the practical issues of life" (ESV Study Bible). I love this definition because it reinforces that wisdom is found in God and given freely from God to those who ask.
It must be noted though that James makes what I consider a laughable comment of "IF any of you lacks wisdom." I doubt any of us would say we are overflowing with wisdom and cannot accept anymore. But more importantly, James emphasizes the call for us to act. We must ASK if we want wisdom. God is gracious to give it, but we have to do our part and ask rather than pridefully wait for God to bestow it on us of His own accord.
Moreover, asking without reproach is simply humbling oneself to come to God without feeling shamed in asking for help. This is a wise call-out and warning to us as men. Let's not kid ourselves, the majority of us to one degree or another struggle asking for help. Society further reinforces that sentiment as a sign of weakness. But here, James admonishes men to lay aside fleshly pride and approach the throne of grace in reverent humility to ask for help. What a phenomenal ministry tool that application could be if we applied it to our families! How much more respect would we receive from our wives and children if we modeled James 1:5 rather than preached it?
Bottom line, if we want true wisdom, we know where to get it and how to get it.....are we simply bold enough to humble ourselves and ask God? He's waiting patiently to generously give it.
This next section of James 1 continues the theme of our faith being tested in trials with an emphasis on the role of wisdom. To begin, "wisdom, as in the OT, is a God-given and God-centered discernment regarding the practical issues of life" (ESV Study Bible). I love this definition because it reinforces that wisdom is found in God and given freely from God to those who ask.
It must be noted though that James makes what I consider a laughable comment of "IF any of you lacks wisdom." I doubt any of us would say we are overflowing with wisdom and cannot accept anymore. But more importantly, James emphasizes the call for us to act. We must ASK if we want wisdom. God is gracious to give it, but we have to do our part and ask rather than pridefully wait for God to bestow it on us of His own accord.
Moreover, asking without reproach is simply humbling oneself to come to God without feeling shamed in asking for help. This is a wise call-out and warning to us as men. Let's not kid ourselves, the majority of us to one degree or another struggle asking for help. Society further reinforces that sentiment as a sign of weakness. But here, James admonishes men to lay aside fleshly pride and approach the throne of grace in reverent humility to ask for help. What a phenomenal ministry tool that application could be if we applied it to our families! How much more respect would we receive from our wives and children if we modeled James 1:5 rather than preached it?
Bottom line, if we want true wisdom, we know where to get it and how to get it.....are we simply bold enough to humble ourselves and ask God? He's waiting patiently to generously give it.
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
James 1:2-4 (Devotion)
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Some may balk at the notion that our faith needs to he tested, but even Jesus' faith was tested in the wilderness (Matt. 4). A faith test is simply a measuring stick or spiritual thermometer to see how firmly grounded or steadfast you are in your faith. I liken it to Jesus teaching of building a house upon the sand versus the rock. In the end, the result is the same, which is our sanctification. The real question is whether we allow the trial to take its full course or do we strive to shorten it or escape to some degree. James would say to let it take its full effect, for in the end God will reveal to you all you needed to learn in due time.
COUNT IT - James begins this teaching by calling for us believers (the church) to stop, recollect, and literally quantify how faithful the Lord has been in our lives despite the trials we have previously faced. How often do we stop and intentionally remember spiritual markers though?
ALL JOY - We are called not to find a shred of joy in our trials but to declare every aspect of the trial we face a blessing and gift from God that our character and countenance would be sharpened and refined through it.
MY BROTHERS - What distinguishes Christians from unbelievers is that we do not run or avoid trials but we embrace them as a family unit, coming alongside the needs of one another in trial. We also do not curse or question God for the trial because our identity in Christ as brothers calls us to a higher standard.
WHEN YOU - James admonishes us not "IF" we will each face trials, but "WHEN" we face trials. Therefore we must prepare our hearts and not be blindsided when adversity arrives.
MEET TRIALS - Trials are intended as opportunities for growth that we face head on, not run from, ignore or minimize. Conversely, we are not to be so consumed by them that we are incapacitated by them or they become a stronghold in our hearts.
OF VARIOUS KINDS - Be wise to expect trials but do not assume you know where, how and through whom they will come. Trust in God's sovereignty and do not be naive or easily shaken. For Satan knows our weaknesses and purposes to exploit them in a variety of schemes just as God seeks to use what Satan would intend for evil to sanctify us. Therefore, regardless through whom the trial comes, embrace God's sovereign will in full surrender and obedience to His Word.
Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines steadfastness as "firmness of mind or purpose; fixedness in principle; constancy; resolution; as the steadfastness of faith." In other words, when our faith is tested and refined in and through trials, what is produced is faithful endurance that is firm, resolute and unshakable. And as we grow in holiness, we are perfected through the Son in our steadfastness.
Some may balk at the notion that our faith needs to he tested, but even Jesus' faith was tested in the wilderness (Matt. 4). A faith test is simply a measuring stick or spiritual thermometer to see how firmly grounded or steadfast you are in your faith. I liken it to Jesus teaching of building a house upon the sand versus the rock. In the end, the result is the same, which is our sanctification. The real question is whether we allow the trial to take its full course or do we strive to shorten it or escape to some degree. James would say to let it take its full effect, for in the end God will reveal to you all you needed to learn in due time.
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