Saturating James - Chapter 1, part 1

I love the fact that God created our brains to be constantly learning and absorbing new information. I am a member of the Sisterhood of WINGS (Women In God's Service) and we are currently involved in an inductive Bible Study of the book of James. The goal is to saturate every nuance the Holy Spirit is offering on each verse of each chapter. We learned this method of study from the well-known Bible teacher Kay Arthur. It is quite a ride. We have recently finished the first chapter of James and I'd like to share with you what I see.

James, the brother of Jesus, was writing a letter to the 12 tribes. It was written around 50 AD. James wanted to reassure the followers of Christ that God is with them in their trials no matter how difficult their life becomes. Encouraging self-examination, he challenges his reader as he encourages them. He also wanted to point out the difference between empty religion and undefiled religion before God.

Did you realize that you could profit from your trials? James says absolutely you can and that you should actually rejoice that you're having trouble. After all, if you never go through any hardships, how can your faith be tested. Faith that is tested produces patience. How many times have you prayed for patience? Well, your hard times is the way God strengthens patience in you. Be joyful about what God is doing in your heart. After your patience has been strengthened, you will be lacking nothing. In other words you will be perfect and complete. Here, the scriptures aren't defining perfection as someone without flaws. It referring to the spiritually mature Christian. A mature Christian is complete when he uses and exercised his faith in day to day life.

James goes on to say that if you feel you are lacking wisdom, simply ask God for it. God gives wisdom without rebuking us for asking. There is one condition. We have to ask in faith without doubting. I can testify to the fact that this is easier said than done. If you are doubting the truth of God and His Word, you are like a piece of driftwood on the wave of the ocean being tossed around by the wind. You never know where you will wind up - probably washed up and alone on the beach. Doubting is the enemy of faith. Don't expect God to provide wisdom if you are doubting Him.

The brother of Jesus also provides perspective on the rich and the poor. In this passage a poor man is the same as a lowly brother who is humble and meek. This lowly brother should glory in the fact that he is exalted. After all, humility is prized by Jesus (remember the Sermon on the Mount). On the other hand a rich man who feels glorified by his own accomplishments and importance, is like a flower that is beautiful for a moment but withers in the hot sun and perishes. His accomplishments are temporary and not eternal. I pray that God will keep my heart humble by any means necessary.