James 1:22-27

James 1:22-27 

English Standard Version 

  Mark Twain said that it wasn't the parts of the Bible that he didn't understand that worried him, it was the parts of the Bible he did understand that bothered him.  At times, the language is so high and lofty that it's hard to grasp.  At other times it is clear and direct.  This is one of those times.  We have a choice, James tells us -- we can opt to hear the Word, pray for it to transform us, and let it lead us into the world, or we can listen, think about how nice it is, and leave it at that.  Either is a choice.  One is faithful to the calling of Jesus Christ, which is meant to transform us and the community around us.  To be idle... is a different choice, a worse choice, for it means that the Word hasn't changed us.  To hear the Gospel is to be changed.  And if we are not changed, we must continue to listen and pray for the Holy Spirit to illumine us, to lead us out, for the Word always changes, always transforms, always challenges and comforts and brings new life.

James 1:19-21

James 1:19-21 

English Standard Version 

  It's fascinating to read verses like this in the midst of peak political silliness.  Imagine a world where we default to listening before speaking, where we aren't so quick to be angry but rather practice stillness and patience first.  Think of how our world might be different if run by the meek, guided by Scripture, which calls us to love and serve.  Imagine leaders that fled from anything that hinted at impropriety.  

  But that's not the world we have, so we have to do our best to create it.  May we seek to be examples in our community and in our congregations and in our neighborhoods.  May we live by this, and perhaps in doing so, we can influence one another, and change the world, little by little.  

James 1:16-18

James 1:16-18 

English Standard Version 

  We have a responsibility towards others.  We were designed that way -- not that we might shine for ourselves, but that God's light might shine through us into the world around us.  We don't exist for ourselves, but we exist to love and to serve.  Christ showed us this perfectly.  It's hard to remember this in a world that will besiege you with messages to care only for yourself, but the Gospel is here to correct -- we live for others, as God loves us.  

James 1:9-15

James 1:9-15 

English Standard Version

  Think of your priorities.  Where does the crown of life fall?  If it's first, then you'll steadfastly endure anything to obtain it.  If anything else is above it, then that will wither and perish.  Tim Keller talks about how we know what our true gods are when we consider what we think about when we have idle time.  Do we focus on the crown of life, on obtaining the promises of God?  Or do we think about lesser things?  

  The world will certainly tempt us away from God, luring us through our own desires, which give birth to sin, which leads us away from God.  May we pray for the wisdom to pursue God's crown of life rather than our own desires!