While the New Testament speaks of two men by the name of
James, I want to briefly consider James the son of Mary and Joseph, and
half-brother to Jesus (Matthew 13:55). Throughout James’ early life, he was not
a believer in Jesus being the Christ, the Son of God (John 7:5). However, all that
changed when resurrected Jesus appeared alive to James and the apostles (1
Corinthians 15:7; Acts 1:14). Confronted by his living brother, who days
earlier was confirmed dead through brutal crucifixion, James abandoned personal ideology
and believed in living Jesus.
James lived his Christian life from Jerusalem, where he served
as a leader in the church, an apostle, and probably chairman of the Jerusalem
council (Acts 15:13, 19; Galatians 1:19; 2:9). Of particular interest, is that James
wrote the New Testament letter called “James,” where he humbly identifies
himself as a servant of God and of the Lord
Jesus Christ (James 1:1). If anyone had claim to special treatment
from God, you would think it would have been James, but No! Selfless humility
was the identifying mark of his faith.
While the letter from James deals with many practical
subjects and truths, the overarching theme is that Christians give evidence of
authenticity through the outworking of faith. Transformed from being a skeptic,
James became one of the church’s strongmen, continuously promoting and exemplifying
legitimacy of belief in Jesus as Lord,
through right and wise Christian living. Simply believing a truth was of no value
if it did not impact behaviour and attitudes. James 1:22 reads, be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving
yourselves.
Today, as it was 2000 years ago, Genuine faith in God is seen
and experienced by others through the Christian’s living. Which is why James
pointedly asks in chapter 3:13, Who is wise and understanding among you? While
the world would attempt to answer the question by justifying thinking that puts
a person at the centre of their own universe, and as god of their own lives,
James says No! Instead of popular worldly persuasion away from God, James calls
his readers back to God. Unafraid of skeptical challengers, James declares; the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable,
gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere (James 3:17).
This refreshing explanation of God-centred understanding,
stood in distinct contrast to the world’s idea of wisdom which he detailed in
verses 14-16. But if you have bitter jealousy
and selfish ambition in your hearts… This is not the wisdom that comes down
from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and
selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.
James knew the harsh realities of life, yet he was not seduced by its wrong
thinking of God and unrighteous behaviour.
While some prefer to give up, giving into worldly ideology,
James reminds us that God gives more grace. God
opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to
God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will
draw near to you (James 4:6-8). With self, Satan, and worldly ideals
pushed aside, there is room for God to be God. The God James speaks of, is the
heavenly Father of Jesus Christ. He is a good God! A God of higher purposes and
reasoning. A God who offers forgiveness, cleansing, eternal life, belonging, and
direction. However, these qualities are only experienced by those who humble
themselves under His care through Jesus Christ. May this wise humility be true
in each of our lives today, for His glory and our blessing.
