James 1:1-27
2. Trials
One of the things that you have in common with all Christians everywhere, is that we all face ‘trials of many kinds’ (v.2b). The letter of James is written to the twelve tribes scattered among the nations (that is, to all Christians everywhere).
In one of the strangest verses of the New Testament, James says, ‘consider it pure joy… whenever you face trials’ (v.2). Rejoice in difficult situations. This turns the world’s view upside-down. ‘Trials’ are the challenges of life that test your faith and develop perseverance (vv.3–4).
As has been said, ‘Every storm is a school. Every trial is a test. Every experience is an education. Every difficulty is for your development.’
Joyce Meyer writes, ‘I finally realised that God was not going to do things my way. He placed people and situations in my life that caused me to want to quit this whole process, and he did not want an argument from me. He only wanted to hear, “Yes, Lord. Your will be done.”’
In the midst of your trials you need wisdom. As Eugene Peterson says: ‘Wisdom is not primarily about knowing the truth, although it certainly includes that; it is skill in living.’ James says, ‘If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you’ (v.5).
There are two ways to handle a problem. One is to go it alone – that is the natural way. The other is to ask God for divine wisdom to help you to know what to do.
James speaks of ‘the testing of your faith’ (v.3). He goes on, ‘blessed are those who persevere under trial, because when they have stood the test, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him’ (v.12). It is almost as if James is saying that the whole of life is a test. After you have stood the test, you will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
Lord, please give me wisdom for all the decisions I have to take and all the trials that I face.
3. Temptation
‘Temptation’, wrote William Shakespeare, is ‘the fiend at mine elbow.’Somebody else said: ‘Opportunity may knock only once, but temptation leans on the doorbell.’ Temptation is when we feel like doing the wrong thing. Temptation itself is not a sin. Rather, it is a call to battle.
Where does temptation come from? Certainly not from God. James says, ‘when tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone’ (v.13).
Often, in the Bible, temptation is seen as coming from the devil. Jesus was tempted by the devil. Adam and Eve were tempted by the serpent. Job was attacked by Satan.
However, the devil works on our own evil desires: ‘Each of you is tempted when, by your own evil desire, you are dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death’ (vv.14–15).
Sin is always a deception. James writes, ‘Don't be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters’ (v.16). Good things come from God: ‘Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows’ (v.17).
You are deceived when you think that you need things that are not good. The deception in the Garden of Eden was that Adam and Eve thought that they needed to experience evil as well as good. God only wants you to experience good. Every time you feel like doing the wrong thing and choose to do the right thing, you grow in maturity, strength and wisdom.
Lord, thank you that every good and perfect gift is from you. May I not be deceived into wanting to experience things that are not good.
4. Tongue
One of the tests of your character is your tongue. James has a great deal to say on the subject of the tongue. Keep a tight rein on the tongue. Get your mouth under control (v.26).
He writes, ‘Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for human anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent, and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you’ (vv.19–21).
The word of God has the power to transform you. You need to allow time for God’s word to be planted firmly in you, to hear it and then do what it says. Rather than speaking too much, listen to God’s word and get rid of all the bad stuff in your life.
Listening in itself, though, is not enough. ‘Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says’ (v.22). If you do what it says, you will ‘be blessed’ (v.25). This includes looking after orphans and widows and keeping yourself from being polluted by the world (v.27).
Lord, help me today to keep a tight rein on my tongue. Help me to listen, especially to the word of God.
