Epistle – James 4-5

It is not difficult to put ‘Christianity’ in that blank field next to “Religion:” in your job application form. It is hard to be a good Christian and glorify God’s name doing it. We have read some useful tips on practical Christian living from the Book of James 1-3. Let’s read James 4-5 today.

Bible Passage:  James 4-5

God Vs World

Treasureinearthernvessel’s sharing on Ecc 1-2 can help us understand this. We do all that we do on earth in our strive toward our heavenly home. We can never indulge in both the things of the world and God at the same time. The two simply do not mix. 1 John 5:19 tells us we are of God, while the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one. James 4:4-5 states clearly – friendship with the world is enmity with God, we commit adultery if we love the things of the world whilst professing to love God at the same time!

Our worldly desires will constantly war against our spiritual convictions (James 4:1-3). It is inevitable as we are in the flesh. But we take it not as a convenient excuse to indulge in that moment of pleasure but a reminder that we need God to tide us through those crashing waves of lustful and covetous desires.

Over time, the crashing waves are able to carve out even the most solid of rock structures, gradually wearing away its original form and causing the structure to crumble and fall. We need God to hold us together and preserve us all the time, as the waves will continue to hit us any time.

We take heart in the fact that God’s grace is sufficient for us if we seek it (James 4:6-10). God knows what we are up against; He has passed through life Himself and emerged a victor. He gives us the Holy Spirit to help us successfully complete this life quest (2 Tim 1:7).

In God vs World, what’s on our score charts? There are invariably only 2 possible scores – 1/0 or 0/1. We have already established that 1/1 is impossible to achieve and 0/0 only if we are devoid of any ability to feel, desire and make a conscious decision. What’s your score?

Judge and Be Judged

James 4:11-12 tells us clearly not to judge our fellow brethren, for only the Lawgiver – God, with the power to save and destroy, has the right to judge.

It is easier on hindsight or as an observer to look into the affairs of others and dispense with this and that advice. We form opinions of all the different people we meet. We develop different kinds of sentiments toward different people we interact with each day. It is a challenge sometimes to treat each individual objectively and with sincere love all the time, to not let a previous bad encounter cloud our perception and subsequent interactions with the same person.

But we must pray for this wisdom, for if we find ourselves reacting to certain people differently, or not being able to interact as freely and loving as sincerely as we would readily love others, then we have already in our hearts, judged and convicted these people as not worthy of the same empathy from us as some others. We have been partial and we have judged.

Make Me a Servant

Make me a servant

Humble and meek

Lord let me lift up

Those who are weak

And may the prayer of my heart always be

Make me a servant

Make me a servant

Make me a servant today

We sang this song during our Tuesday hymn service just passed. This is contrary to the belief most people of the world hold today. Nobody aspires to be a servant. We all want to be a somebody in society, at least in our own social circles. This is however in line with God’s message to us – ‘the first shall be the last’, ‘God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble’, ‘the meek shall inherit the earth’, ‘you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you!’ and yet other passages in the Bible.

James 5:1-6 describes the actions of the rich oppressors and their end. Sad to say, we do see some of these wicked and corrupt bullies around us today. Perhaps you have encountered a few yourselves too. Studies have shown that those who constantly put others down to make themselves look better in fact suffer from low self esteem and a lack of self confidence. They may have experienced a sense of inferiority complex earlier on in their lives. There are mini versions of these adult oppressors in schools today too. These tiny tykes pack a punch and often display violent behaviour. Children will be children, but excessive violence and wilful hurt to others should not be condoned.

James 5:7-12 encourages those suffering under the oppressors to wait patiently for God’s deliverance. God has a purpose for everything and all things will come to pass as God intended (James 5:11). Above all, God is compassionate and merciful, we have nothing and no one to fear, as long as we keep ourselves in God by prayers and songs (James 5:13-18).

May God guide us as we live out His word in our schools and workplace.