I have
heard it said many times—the book of James is a blueprint for the Christian
walk. One of the simplest, yet most lacking areas of the Christian life is that
of discipleship—or, as I like to say—walking along side others in their faith.
It is an imperative aspect of living a Christian lifestyle. Jesus didn’t die on
the cross so we can be free and delivered from our sins, only to wake up and
find ourselves weighted down by tasks lists and to-do’s, or worse, burdened
with religious attempts at earning salvation. That is the beauty of
grace—unmerited or undeserved favor and love from the Lord. There is nothing
you can do to earn your salvation—it is a gift. It is a choice. Choosing to
receive the Lord into your heart and choosing again to follow Him is the
fundamental principle of being a Christian.
This first
chapter of James prepares us to face the inevitable—tests and trials—as part of
that learning and development. Tests in academics or in athletics, or the arts,
are all purposed to prepare us for the “big game” or “performance.” As
Christians, we should embrace these tests and trials as a means of
strengthening our trust in the God we serve. What good is a lifejacket
if you are not willing to jump in the water to test and see that it will keep
you afloat? That is how we should view tests and trials—not as some means to
destroy us—but rather, a method to prune us and refine us and strengthen our
trust, confidence, and faith in the Lord.
James also
reminds us to evaluate the status of our own hearts—so we can see and discern
the difference between tests and trials designed to strengthen our faith, and
the temptations that result as unfaced sin in our hearts. He shows us that
sometimes we fall from the choices we make, and those choices are a direct
reflection of a sin struggle we have not dealt with. These types of enticement
to sin vary from person to person, as each of us struggles with different
aspect of sin. The good news—neither is designed to keep you under shame and
guilt, but rather—to give you encouragement in your growth and awareness of
where you need to step into the Lord’s grace.
He
finishes this chapter with a reminder to be a doer—not just a hearer—of the
Word. He challenges us to walk away from traditional man-made religious rules
and instead, pursue the wisdom and knowledge of the Lord through His Word, so
that you too, can become an encouragement and light to those who are struggling
and walk alongside others as you grow in your faith. We should shout for joy in
the freedom we experience through Christ and share that good news with
others, who will turn to you and ask something like, “Why do I keep facing so
many struggles?” or “Why is this happening to me?”
Oh, what
an opportunity that is! It is such a blessing to have that chance to share the
joy of your own personal growth and development, through the trials, tests and
even some of the temptations you have wrestled with along your own path! Your
story—or your testimony—is the GREATEST encouragement to others. Daring to be
known and vulnerable is part of the freedom that comes with Christ—knowing, you
are no longer bound by the burdens of your sins, but free to live out from under
the shame and guilt of your past!
Be a light
to the world around you.
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